Chat with Denny Hamlin

Had a chance to ask Denny Hamlin a few questions this week and wanted to share his answers with the readers and fans who stop by. I asked how he held up to a double-header at Richmond and some random things I just wanted to know. Hope you enjoy.

Becca: First of all, how are you doing? It was a long weekend and I'm worried about you after running two races in a row. So tell me about you! I'm truly concerned and hope you will let me know how you're holding up after the double header.

Denny: Firstly, I am doing fine. It wasn't as bad as it sounds. I was tired but after the race I went to my Motor Coach and went to sleep so it wasn't that bad. Thank you for all of your support. You just don't know how much it means to me that someone cares as much as you do.

Becca: Some drivers are mechanics and some are strictly drivers. Are you able to work on the car as well as drive or do you just get behind the wheel?

Denny: I work on the car as well. If I have an opinion on something or I know that I am able to help I will. I don't leave all the work up to the mechanics.

Becca: You made the Chase, now you are sitting 6th. What are your feelings about that? Are you still breathing or is there more pressure now?

Denny: We feel great about being in the chase but we still aren't able to breathe like we should. We won't be able to breathe until the chase is over. We are now trying to work our way up to the championship so until the season is over we won't be able to breathe.

Becca: Do you know Andy Graves? How often do you get to talk to him? What exactly is his job with the team?

Denny: Yes I do know him. I talk to him quite a lot. He is a senior manager of Toyota Racing Development. He is a cool guy.

Becca: Did you play any sports in highschool? If so, what and what was your number?
Denny: I didn't really play sports in highschool. I devoted all my time into racing. It was my dream and all I wanted to do.

Becca: With the addition of Joey Logano to JGR, you are now the team veteran. What kind of pressure does that put on you? How do you feel about being the 'veteran' and mentor for the young guys you are teammates with?

Denny: That puts on quite a lot of pressure. With Tony Stewart leaving JGR next year it leaves me to give advise and such. I have always relied on Tony to help me with the handling of my car. So it does put a lot of pressure on me. But knowing that Kyle Busch knows pretty much what hes doing it doesn't put as much pressure on me.

Becca: Going fast is definetely not something you're afraid of, so what is one thing that Denny Hamlin is afraid of? (For me it's bugs. Used to be heights but I got over that!)

Denny: I'm not really afraid of anything. I mean I'm not afraid of bugs or snakes because I know they are just as afraid of you as you are of them and heights thrill me. So I guess I'm not afraid of anything.

Becca: You used to be big with the NASCAR gaming. Do you still play it? Does it still help you out like it did in Pocono in 06?

Denny: Yes I still play the NASCAR games. It does help out. It gives you the feel of the track.

And one last thing that I just have to know...

Becca: What's your favorite color?

Denny: My favorite color is blue

Thank you so much Denny for answering all my questions and for being so amazing. Congratulations on making the Chase. I can't wait to see you on the stage in NYC.