Is Daytona losing its edge? Legends are created and history is written at Daytona International Speedway, which has long been considered the ultimate superspeedway racing destination. But what if its reign as the best drafting track is coming to an end? Veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin thinks that could be the case. In a sport where things change all the time, Hamlin sees Atlanta Motor Speedway becoming more like Daytona was before its 2010 revamp.
The old-school pack racing that characterized Daytona in its heyday is returning to Atlanta thanks to its hard tires and aging surface, according to Hamlin, who has been outspoken about the changing nature of superspeedway racing. With a few more years of track wear, Atlanta might be able to outperform Daytona in providing the kind of fierce, skill-based racing that drivers and fans want, according to his comments. What makes him feel this way, though? And what does it promise for the future of NASCAR?
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Why Hamlin Believes Atlanta Could Outshine Daytona in the Draft
In his podcast Actions Detrimental Denny Hamlin, shared his insights that could rewrite the future of the pseudo-speedway, “If you talk to most drivers they would say, man, this is how super speedway racing used to be at Daytona before the repave.” In contrast to Daytona, where recent repaves have resulted in smooth, fast, but somewhat predictable pack racing, Atlanta’s surface is aging, making handling a crucial factor. “I think that we’re still probably a couple of years from the prime of what Atlanta could be,” he added. That is why Hamlin argues that the reconfiguration of Atlanta has altered how cars handle at high speeds, comparing it to Daytona before its 2010 repave, when drivers had to wrestle their cars instead of relying solely on aerodynamics and drafting strategies.
Reflecting on the current state of packed racing, he stated that, “Handling will become more of a thing. The tire that we run at Atlanta is somewhere in the range of like 20% harder than any other tire that we run on an intermediate track.” The tire compound used in Atlanta has played a significant role in this change. Goodyear’s tires are roughly 20% harder than those used at other intermediate tracks, which decreases wear but still has a big impact on the result of the race, according to Hamlin. To replicate this effect at Daytona or Talladega, he surmised, NASCAR could have to adjust the tire’s grip to control pack racing dynamics.
His remarks are also a reflection of his own Atlanta experiences. Hamlin appreciated the track’s unpredictable nature despite his struggles with wrecks, bad luck, and strategic errors in the most recent Quaker State 400. Nevertheless, he admitted that, in contrast to the frequently procession-style races at Daytona and Talladega in recent years, Atlanta presents drivers with a compelling challenge. How will the sport be affected if Atlanta is indeed the future superspeedway? A major factor that has contributed to the excitement of NASCAR’s drafting tracks is their unpredictable nature, which Hamlin has both profited from and endured. He was involved in a multi-car collision on the last lap despite using a cautious approach to prevent collisions.
This uncertainty has both positive and negative effects. Aside from ensuring that no driver can dominate solely based on speed, it produces exciting finishes. But as Hamlin’s troubles in Atlanta showed, it can irritate even the most experienced veterans. He still believes that the track has potential, though. Atlanta may develop into the most exciting drafting track on the circuit if NASCAR improves its regulations and the city continues to grow.
Although hardcore Daytona purists may not agree with Hamlin’s prognosis, his logic makes sense. Atlanta might revive the kind of erratic, skill-based pack racing that initially made Daytona famous if it keeps developing as he anticipates. It remains to be seen if NASCAR accepts this change or takes action to bring Daytona and Talladega back to their previous splendor. One thing is certain for the time being, though: Atlanta is arguing that it is the greatest superspeedway of the future.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The Talladega Controversy: NASCAR’s Safety Policies Under Fire
Denny Hamlin’s doubts about superspeedway racing’s future coincide with a bitter discussion about NASCAR’s safety rules. Drivers’ dissatisfaction with uneven safety instructions and race management has rekindled debates regarding the Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP) following the recent 28-car crash at Talladega.
Due to the severe DVP regulations, several drivers were left stuck in the infield grass on lap 185 as the chaos broke out. One of the impacted drivers, Chase Briscoe, expressed disapproval of NASCAR’s response to the incident, pointing out that authorities were providing contradictory directives. He stated, “You know, the officials are doing the best they can in their job, but they’re telling you one thing, and then your team is telling you NASCAR is telling them a different thing. It was just very confusing, for sure.” Briscoe’s remarks underscore a growing worry that, under pressure, NASCAR’s safety standards may work against them rather than for them.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The Talladega incident highlighted the difficulties of overseeing superspeedway pack racing in addition to the DVP controversy. As drivers seek a balance between exhilarating racing and enhanced safety measures, Hamlin’s comments regarding Atlanta’s development as a superior superspeedway are relevant in this situation. The current debate is whether Talladega’s enormous wreck will become the new normal or if NASCAR will change its rules to avoid such chaotic scenarios in the future.