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!