I'm not sure if Mother Nature's tantrum in Martinsville, Virginia this weekend is a blessing or a curse. I hate to see the field set according to Sprint Cup points. The rule book shouldn't get to decide who makes the field and who goes home. Every team has the same right to try their hand at making the field and I don't like to see weather dictate who is worthy of a starting position for a race.
Then there's the matter of Martinsville being home turf for Denny Hamlin. I was so looking forward to seeing how stout his race car was going to be. I guess I'll have to wait until Sunday to get my first glance at the Fed Ex Toyota. Times likes these are when I'm disappointed. My devotion never waivers based on performances. Start from the pole or be the caboose, I still think Denny Hamlin can win every week. Crash out and visit the local hospital, I'm still proud of my D Ham. Rob him of the chance to prove his talents, I feel cheated.
So I excitedly await the start of Sunday's race, equipped with my Tums and my tissues. I can't help but tear up when I see Denny take the green flag at his home track in front of Virginia natives who agree with me that he is one of the state's finest racers and classiest gentlemen. When Mama and Daddy Hamlin brought D Ham into this world they blessed it with the most amazing man to ever take a breath. So come Sunday afternoon, I will be holding mine to see if my dreams for my friend and hero will come true.
If I could have it my way, I'd get to see Denny Hamlin wave a Dasani bottle with tears in his eyes, struggling for words to describe how he feels. Perhaps Mother Nature did me a favor by raining on my parade so that Denny could start closer to the front. That is yet to be seen. But you can guarantee I will be watching intently to see the outcome. Regardless, I will be overwhelmed at getting to watch NASCAR's finest turn 500 laps.
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Denny Hamlin was 7th in Happy Hour Practice at Martinsville. His best speed was 94.148 mph with his fastest time at 20.110 seconds per lap. His average speed was 93.053 mph. He had the fast time 7 times with 74 laps run in practice. I've got hope and know that the Fed Ex Freight Toyota will be contending for the win when the green flag waves Sunday afternoon.
