Fed Ex Racing Express Facts - Martinsville

RACE INFO:
Event: Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500
Date/Time: March 29, 2009/2 p.m.
2008 winner: Denny Hamlin
2008 pole winner: Jeff Gordon
Distance: 500 laps/263miles
Track Length: .526 miles
Banking: 12 degrees
Track Shape: Oval

EXPRESS NOTES:
Hamlin, FedEx Racing Team Storm to Second at Bristol: Denny Hamlin and the #11 FedEx Racing team turned in a great performance last weekend at Bristol, charging forward from a starting position of 24th to battle for the lead and ultimately claim second place on the day.

Hamlin took the lead on lap 317 and held the point for seven laps before surrendering the lead under caution. Despite restarting second for the green-white-checkered finish, he couldn’t reach the bumper of his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate and eventual winner, Kyle Busch. The result continued Hamlin’s string of good runs at Bristol as well as giving the #11 team their best result of the still-young 2009 season. Hamlin climbs from 14th to eighth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings through six races.

Hamlin at Martinsville:
This weekend will mark Hamlin’s eighth career Sprint Cup start at Martinsville Speedway.

Hamlin returns to Martinsville as the defending champion of the spring race at the famous paperclip. In March of 2008 Hamlin led 82 laps and held off a furious charge from Jeff Gordon to claim his sole win of the season and the fourth win of his Cup career. In the fall of 2008, Hamlin and the #11 team fought handling issues but managed an impressive fifth-place finish. In 2007, Hamlin sat on the pole for the spring race and led 125 laps before taking third place and then posted a sixth place finish in the 2007 Chase race. Hamlin has only finished out of the top-10 once at Martinsville – a 41st place finish in the spring event in 2006 – which supports the fact that Hamlin’s short track performance has been a point of consistency in his Sprint Cup career.

That is especially true at Martinsville, a place where Hamlin has raced Late Models as recently as 2003.

Charlotte FedEx Freight Service Center “Along for the Ride” in Martinsville :The #11 FedEx Freight Camry will feature “CLT” on the wing caps this weekend at Martinsville Speedway to recognize the Charlotte Service Center as the winners of the 2008 Diversity Week Grand Prize. The prize rewards participation, creativity and cooperation among employees.

MARTINSVILLE CHASSIS – JGR 238 & 214: JGR 238 will carry the FedEx Freight paint this weekend at Martinsville. This is the first ever race for this chassis. JGR 214 will serve as the backup this weekend. This car has made four previous Cup starts, posting top-ten finishes in 2008 (New Hampshire and Martinsville)

HAMLIN CONVERSATION – MARTINSVILLE:
Talk about returning to Martinsville: “Martinsville is special for me for a lot of reasons. The experience of winning a Cup race here, at a Virginia track where I raced Late Models a few years ago, and in front of great racing fans and my family, was something I will never forget. And to have a Martinsville clock sitting in my home that I see everyday – it reminds me of that day and also how much went into getting to that point. I remember racing here in Late Models, in the big fall events, and thinking then what a big deal it was to be here at a famous track, getting to do what I loved which was race cars. So to go there in a Cup car, win a pole a few years back and then get a win there last Spring was something that was hard to imagine even just a few years. Don’t get me wrong, it was what I always wanted and was working for but you can’t expect things to work out like they did. This is a great track – one of my favorites - with a ton of history and a special style of racing. I think it’s where I am at my best and I know the entire #11 FedEx team circles the Martinsville races on the calendar.”

It’s been one year since you’ve won in the Cup series – does that frustrate or motivate you? – “I think it’s a little of both. We almost had a win last weekend at Bristol so we feel like we are edging closer to where we want to be but to go a year without a win isn’t where we want to be. It would be one thing if we weren’t close but there have been several times in the past year where I know we had the car capable of winning and for whatever reason it just didn’t happen. So, while that gives you confidence in yourself and in the equipment, those missed opportunities start to wear on you and on the entire team. Everyone on this FedEx team puts a lot of time and effort into winning races and nothing is better than when it all works out. I am hoping that this is the weekend where we get our next win and that we can put together a good string of races – challenge for wins throughout the season - and move closer to the goal of challenging for a championship.”

Is It Just Me Or....

Is the lack of testing hurting the men I love to cheer and boo from the East Coast to the West Coast and all points between?

Last night's Auto Club 500 was the most uneventful race I have seen in quite a long day. I hate crashes, especially when it involves my Fed Ex Toyota but seeing Kevin Harvick crash into the wall and end his streak of races without a DNF was the highlight of the 250 lap event. Every other caution was for rain drops, threatening to shorten yet another race. Thankfully the rain let up and we got to see all of the scheduled laps.

I grew tired of follow the leader a number of years ago and when the leader hails out of the Hendrick camp or is defending series Champion Jimmie Johnson I totally lose interest. I'm over it and ready to see someone else lead and win something. Which is why I am thrilled for Matt Kenseth's 2 for 2 streak he's got going on.

I'm a die-hard Joe Gibbs Racing fan, I want one of my three Toyotas up front, preferably Denny Hamlin every race for every lap. But if that can't happen I'll root for the Roush boys any day. They are all class acts who are talented beyond belief. Their owner may leave a little to be desired but he knows how to get it done. And Kenseth has shown that flashy isn't always the way to get attention.

Denny Hamlin had an impressive sixth place finish, jumping up 13 spots to 14th, just 150 points back of the leader and a mere 13 points out of the top 12 coveted spots to make it into the Chase. Quite a turn around from last week's Daytona 500 crash.

Amazing pit stops, great hustle and a never quit attitude by driver Denny Hamlin showed that the Fed Ex Freight Toyota could hang with the big boys. The real season starts when the haulers roll into Fontana and when Hamlin made his way out on the track he proved that he was ready to race.

The Fed Ex Racing crew heads for the bright lights of Las Vegas this weekend. High roller Hamlin, who proved he had luck on his side with his friendly wagers at the Bud Shootout Selection Show among his Toyota comrades, will be hoping to charm lady luck and attempt to bring home a trophy from the land of the rising son. Sounds appropriate doesn't it?

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!

Bristol Shot In The Arm Hamlin Needed

Michigan was not a field of dreams for Denny Hamlin. In fact, it was more like a living nightmare. He went out first to qualify and wound up starting 37th. He fought his way to a solid Top 10 running spot when the unthinkable happened. With just 6 laps to go, his engine blew up. With a bubble spot in the Chase, it was the only thing Denny was praying didn't happen. But it did.

With the frustration still on the tip of his tongue, Hamlin gave an interview and said that the team made stupid choices and they didn't deserve to be in the Chase. A logical thought after his last 3 months. Apparently, it wasn't the popular thing to say and the press crucified him over it. Kyle Petty berated him while fans booed. The media blew it all out of proportion, as they are known to do, and it insighted a near riot. Nothing like kicking a man when he's down.

With just three critical races left to the Chase cut-off, Denny knew that Bristol was a make or break night for him. Have good luck, take a quick breath. Continue your bad luck and it was time to kiss a spot in the points battle goodbye. Jeff Hammond named D Ham as one of the drivers on his list to miss the Chase.

One thing you should never do, for all those critics out there, is count Denny Hamlin out. No matter how grim things may look for him, never underestimate the power of Virginia's finest. Oh yeah, and never count out his fans. Hamlin needed a shot of self esteem and a boost of confidence and his fans delivered.

When qualifying was over, Denny was sitting a solid 21st. The same starting position he had for the Nationwide Series race on Friday night. He made his way through traffic and was running 10th when he got into the 7 car of Mike Wallace with 31 laps to go ending his night in the Food City 250.

This time when he climbed out of his crinkled 32 Dollar General Toyota, there was a smile on his face. Despite a DNF his confidence never waivered and he was happy. There was something different about Denny and I just knew that he was going to have a great Sharpie 500.

Denny Hamlin had the 11 Fed Ex Freight Toyota running in 10th spot by lap 100. He lost 3 positions following pit stops but quickly moved his way into 7th on lap 185. Hamlin reported the car was very good even though it needed more forward bite.

Crew Chief Mike Ford brought the Fed Ex Freight Toyota down pit road under caution on lap 299. Hamlin was happy with the race car and they made a chassis adjustment, put 1/2 lb of air pressure in the right rear and sent him back out in 4th spot.

With 79 laps to go, Denny passed the 24 of Jeff Gordon to take over 3rd spot and move himself up one spot to 11th in points. Then it was on. Sitting behind the 99 of Carl Edwards and the 18 of Kyle Busch, Hamlin was looking for a chance to pounce. With a caution for debris with 49 laps to go, the Fed Ex crew pulled off the money stop and put on 4 tires and filled it full of Sunoco race fuel in less than 13 seconds.

Hamlin battled back and forth with teammate Kyle Busch for 2nd while Carl Edwards sat comfortably in the lead. Denny had a front row seat for all the action between Edwards and Busch and was praying for the two to wreck each other so he could take over the cat bird seat.

It wasn't in the cards for Hamlin, but the solid third place finish lifted him in the points race and proved that patience and confidence pay off. His post race interview was incredible. While D Ham refused to let himself off the hook as far as the points battle, he did admit that a good finish was the shot of self confidence he was needing.

The team prepares for California and then heads to Hamlin's hometrack in Richmond, Virginia. With a renewed sense of confidence and a few added degrees to the fire burning in Denny Hamlin's belly, the Fed Ex team will be one tough opponent come race day.