Denny Hamlin addressed growing rumors about the possible removal of the Chicago Street Race from the NASCAR Cup Series calendar, emphasizing its importance and uniqueness. With NASCAR’s three-year agreement with Chicago ending this season, San Diego is rumored to be a potential venue replacement. Hamlin expressed strong support for maintaining the street race in Chicago while welcoming Chicagoland Speedway’s return, insisting the latter should complement, not replace, the street event.
Speaking to the media on July 5, the veteran driver highlighted the wider impact of the Chicago race on the city and its residents.
“I personally would like to see them do everything they can to keep it here….I can just tell you that non-racing fans at the hotel I’m staying at are talking about the race and so I think that it’s certainly got some sort of economical impact to the city itself,” he said via Youtube/Cup Scene. [7:48 onwards]
“I still would like to see, you know, Chicagoland is not a substitute for this race, I’d like to see us run both,” he added.
Hamlin also pointed out his 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan’s strong connection to Chicago, noting how the race weekend usually generates significant fan engagement for the team. This connection underscores the event’s value to both the sport and its supporters in the city.
Challenges for Hamlin This Weekend at The Grant Park 165
Hamlin faced a difficult start to the race weekend, suffering a blown engine during Saturday’s practice session that prevented him from qualifying. Consequently, he will begin Sunday’s Grant Park 165 at the very back of the field. This mechanical failure adds to Hamlin’s recent string of setbacks, as he experienced similar engine issues at Texas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway earlier in the 2024 season, both resulting in races he could not finish.
Hamlin Addresses Emerging Rivalry with Ty Dillon in the In-Season Challenge
Denny Hamlin also shared his perspective on a budding rivalry with driver Ty Dillon during the ongoing In-Season Challenge tournament. After Dillon defeated Hamlin in the first round at Atlanta, Hamlin described these competitive encounters as a key objective of the bracket-style event, intended to spark new storylines and fan interest.
“I think that that’s one of the things that the In-season tournament was meant to do, right? Is to create a rivalry that maybe you wouldn’t think of and it’s, you know, while that rivalry may only last one week, the social media content will live on for forever for it,” Denny Hamlin said. [6:12 onwards]
During the tournament’s second round at Echopark Speedway, an incident involving Hamlin triggered a multi-car crash that ended his chance to advance. This allowed Ty Dillon to progress to face Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing in the next round, intensifying the competitive stakes of the event.
Implications for NASCAR and the Chicago Race’s Place Moving Forward
The future of the Chicago Street Race remains uncertain amid discussions of potential venue changes, yet Hamlin’s comments underscore its cultural and economic significance. Preserving this event offers NASCAR a unique urban street circuit that generates both local enthusiasm and national attention, especially given its exclusivity on the Cup Series schedule. Bringing Chicagoland Speedway back alongside the street race could broaden the city’s motorsports presence, but removing the street race would eliminate the distinctive atmosphere that Hamlin and fans value.
As the 2024 season progresses, decisions about race venues will shape NASCAR’s calendar and fan engagement. Hamlin’s outspoken support signals a push from key stakeholders to maintain the Chicago Street Race, reinforcing its importance beyond simply being part of the schedule but as a meaningful event for teams, sponsors, and the host city alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Since starting his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved outstanding success. He has won 51 Cup Series races and triumphed in the Daytona 500 three times (2016, 2019, 2020), accumulating significant earnings throughout his career.
Q. Why did NASCAR penalize Denny Hamlin?
A. Denny Hamlin’s team, number 11, got penalized for not meeting engine inspection rules. Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 team and their driver, Denny Hamlin, received an L2-level penalty due to this NASCAR violation, announced on Thursday. The penalty was for breaking rule Sections 14.7.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. He has built a huge empire worth $65 million through his career earnings, sponsorships, team ownership, and real estate investments. The secret to Hamlin’s wealth includes big earnings from NASCAR race wins and contracts. He also benefits from long-term sponsorships with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin lose 75 points for engine violation?
A. NASCAR penalized Denny Hamlin and team owner Joe Gibbs with a reduction of 75 regular-season points and 10 playoff points. This L2 penalty was due to an engine seal violation after Hamlin’s spring win at Bristol, as announced by the sanctioning body on Thursday.
