Every Now And Then

It is easy to jump on the bandwagon and follow the winner. It is harder, however, to follow the guy who finishes mid-pack and only wins once in a while, if at all. I have never been a bandwagon jumper. There is no dedication in giving up when things don't go right, there is pride in supporting your favorite driver when they have a string of bad luck, regardless of how long it lasts. I take a lot of pride in the driver I support.

In 2006, I took notice of a Rookie sensation named Denny Hamlin. This young man played video games to practice his runs at race tracks. He was quiet, polite and respectful. He raced clean, didn't wreck race cars and could drive the wheels off of them. He won twice at Pocono and watching his Daddy cry with pride at his son touched my heart to the core. To see his father that amazed at his own son's abilities left me humbled. I felt like I was glimpsing into the window of something beyond special.

That's how I view 36 weeks of watching Denny Hamlin race. It's how I view getting to talk to him once a week. To have the privilege to see him race is something I am not sure I deserve. To be able to call myself not just his fan, but his friend is a privilege I'm positive I am not worthy of. Writing this blog about him is the least I can do to show my support of NASCAR's classiest gentleman.

You see, Denny has a bit of a temper. He speaks from true emotion and winds up getting hit hard by the media over his words. I know how that feels, because I'm the exact same way. People call him arrogant and whiny. It's obvious they don't know Denny at all. If they did, they would know that couldn't be further from the truth.

I'm going to let y'all in on a little secret. Denny Hamlin is one of the most genuine, humble, thoughtful, caring people I have ever had the honor of knowing. The last two weeks have been beyond difficult for me and D Ham has been there to support me through it all. When I have needed an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and someone to just care that I was struggling to smile, Denny has been that person. He is beyond amazing and I am so proud of him.

Denny is hard on himself. He knows what he's capable of and when he doesn't show it on the racetrack he's disappointed with himself. He feels that he's let his team and his fans down. Well, Denny there is nothing you could ever do to let me down. I am proud of you whether you win or finish 43rd. I am hurt that you don't do what I know you can do but that's just what being a fan is. I'm frustrated with the car, the call that cost you the win, that tire that went down at Richmond and that driver that just couldn't keep the car from spinning out in front of you and collecting you at Dover...but I am NEVER disappointed in you.

For what you've done for me, for the words you've said to me and just because you are a clean racer with a heart of gold who gives it everything he has every single time he climbs in that car I will forever be endebted to you. For your friendship I say thank you. And to those who want to call Denny Hamlin arrogant, let me tell you the truth. I know a different man and you will never be able to convince me that he's anything but humble and thankful. He knows that without Mama and Daddy sacrificing everything for him, without a team owner that believed in him, without a crew chief that keeps him calm and focused and without fans like me who have total undying faith in him...he'd be scooping ice cream at the local soda fountain. Only Denny can appreciate that little joke.

When I count my blessings before I lay down my head at night, Denny Hamlin is at the top of that list. If you care about him the way I do, you will understand that statement. If you disagree with me, you're missing out on the most amazing man and I am sorry you're not blessed the way I am. The Denny Hamlin I know isn't good with words and doesn't realize that the little things that he does say are more precious than diamonds. I hope these words help him to realize that I hear what his heart says and I'm humbled and honored to know him. I guess I'm not so good at words either because these just don't seem to cover it. Something tells me D Ham will understand.

Denny Hamlin Hits The Lottery In Kansas

Denny Hamlin has a Coke following his win in the Kansas Lottery 400 at Kansas Motorspeedway


Following his victory in the Nationwide series Kansas Lottery 300 race on Saturday, Denny Hamlin was able to rebound from a 30th place starting position to finish 11th in the Camping World RV 400 and move up to 10th in the series points for the Chase for the Cup. Denny promised me an interview following his next victory and as always, he kept his promise. Here's what he had to say about his weekend.

Becca: After qualifying 19th, did you think you had a chance to win the Nationwide race?
Denny: We knew that our car was good, but we didn't think that we would get a win. Kevin Harvick's car was good as well, so we were just hoping for a top 5 finish.

Becca: Did you approach the race any differently knowing you were starting so deep in the field?
Denny: Well, we just tried to stay focused on getting a good finish. We didn't come to the race knowing we were going to win by any means, but we were sure we would get a top 5 or top 10 finish.

Becca: After you started moving through the field, did your game plan change?
Denny: We knew all along that our car was good enough for atleast a top 10 so we were just trying to get to the front of the pack and see if we could chase down Kevin Harvick for the win. But when he started having problems with his car, we knew we had a chance for the win.

Becca: That pit stop in which you passed Harvick to take the lead was critical. What changes did you make to the car on that stop?
Denny: The car was a little tight off so the crew loosened it up a little.

Becca: You lead the most laps and had a 3 second gap on 2nd place, did you start checking the rear view mirror and asking where the guys were behind you as the laps wound down?
Denny: No, I don't do that because I lose focus if I worry where everyone is. But if I just keep looking in front of me and all I see is asphalt then I stay focus on the win.

Becca: Did it help to have Mike Ford calling the shots on Saturday going into Sunday?
Denny: It helped tremendously. Mike Ford is an awesome crew chief. We work really well together, he helps keep me focused.

Becca: What did you learn on Saturday that helped you out on Sunday?
Denny: The best grooves on the track and to be as patient as you can be but not too patient.

Becca: What happened in qualifying for the Sprint Cup race? Was it the track or the car?
Denny: It was the car. It wasn't turning the way that I needed it to.

Becca: You were able to get just to the Top 10 but never quite crack it on Sunday. What was going on with the car?
Denny: It just wasn't handling the way we wanted it to.

Becca: You made an evasive move down pit lane to avoid Michael Waltrip. Tell me about the decision to do that. ~You are a DRIVING MACHINE by the way!!!~
Denny: Well we didn't see a way out of the wreck and my crew chief told my to go down pit road to avoid it. We had no other way out, if we would have went straight we would of wrecked along with Michael and we didn't want to jeopardize that.

Becca: Talladega is completely different from the other tracks in the Chase - will you approach it differently from the other Superspeedways such as Charlotte, Atlanta and Texas?
Denny: We approach every track the same, we stay focused. But at the same time, as each track comes into the schedule we step up our game more.

Becca: What are your feelings on your Chase contention with just 7 races to go?
Denny: We are happy to be in the chase but we are just focusing on winning at the moment. If we get wins in, we have a chance for the championship.

Becca: Is there anything you'd like to say to me and the rest of your fans?
Denny: I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your continuing support. It means so much to me to have such loyal fans cheering me on to victory lane each week. I am very honored to have fans that care that much. I hope to continue to make you all happy.

Just seeing you happy, makes me happy Denny. Knowing that getting that victory gave you the confidence to fight hard on Sunday to gain spots, despite a race car that wouldn't turn is all I can ask for. You truly are amazing and I know there will be more victories before this season is over. Stay focused, know that your fans are cheering for you and that I believe in you.

Thank you for granting me this interview D Ham. It truly is a privilege to discuss your victory with you. All the best at Talladega. Stay safe and race hard!