Denny Hamlin enters the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs at Bristol Motor Speedway in a markedly different position than last year. Coming off a recent victory at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Hamlin is now securely in the Round of 12, unlike the previous season when he was struggling just to stay above the cut line.
Two races into the playoffs in 2023, Hamlin found himself six points below the elimination threshold. With disappointing finishes of 24th in Atlanta and 23rd at Watkins Glen, he needed a strong outing at Thunder Valley to advance. His fourth-place finish there elevated him to sixth in the standings and postponed his elimination until Martinsville.
Changes in Mindset Accompany Improved Performance
The circumstances heading into Bristol this year have altered Hamlin’s mental approach to racing. Despite drivers often emphasizing a consistent race-to-race mindset, Hamlin admits that the reality is more complicated when dealing with playoff pressure. He explained, “It was definitely different,” reflecting on last season’s situation.
He described feeling more relaxed this year, stating that being locked into the next playoff round eases the mental strain.
“I’m resting much, much easier this year in the Playoffs in general,”
Hamlin said, adding that his confidence has grown with his win.
“I’m way more loose with it—whatever the results are, the results are.”
Managing Pressure When Near the Cut Line
When a driver is close to elimination, the mental challenges become tougher. Hamlin noted how drivers tend to fixate on uncontrollable factors in these moments. He said,
“They are worrying about all of the things they can’t control. It is certainly a different mind-set.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
This contrast between last year’s tension and this year’s confidence underscores the impact that securing playoff advancement has on a competitor’s focus and outlook. Hamlin’s ability to stay loose despite the pressure, bolstered by his recent successes, appears to be a crucial factor as he approaches Bristol for the upcoming race.
Looking Ahead to Bristol and the Playoff Battle
As the playoffs continue, Hamlin’s transformed approach and current momentum could play significant roles in his championship hopes. His experience navigating tight points scenarios at tracks like Martinsville gives added context to why this year feels different. With Bristol on the horizon, Hamlin aims to leverage his confidence and strong standing for another deep run.
The shift in Hamlin’s mindset not only highlights the psychological demands of NASCAR’s playoff system but also shows how a single win can relieve pressure and enable a clearer focus on performance. Fans and competitors alike will watch closely to see how this renewed outlook impacts his results at Thunder Valley’s challenging short track.
