Denny Hamlin: NASCAR Profile

If you ever watch any of the NASCAR races and notice FedEx's # 11 Toyota Camry,you are watching racing phenomenon, Denny Hamlin. Joe Gibbs Racing is proud of this young racer and there is certainly many reasons why, including wins at Martinsville 2010 and Richmond in 2009. What is most evident is that Denny Hamlin is a driver to watch for the future.

This Southern boy was born James Dennis Alan Hamlin in Chesterfield, Virginia on November 18, 1980. At the age of 7 years, Hamlin began racing in the Junior Sportsman League and was a fan of the legend Bill Elliott.

While his vehicle of choice was go-karts at that time, it was clear that he was a natural. He earned the titles of Amelia Motor Raceway Track Champion (Junior Restricted), Virginia Dirt Karting Association State Champion (Junior Division) and World Karting Association (WKA) Virginia Dirt Series State Champion (Junior Division) by age 12. And by age 15, the WKA Manufacturers Cup was among his 127 featured wins. Recognition continued and by 1997, at the age of 16, Hamlin became the youngest driver to win a NASCAR Mini Stock championship (Langley Speedway) and was named NASCAR Mini Stock Car Rookie of the Year.

Hamlin moved up from mini stock cars to grand (age 18) and late model stock cars. In his first stock care race, he won the pole position and ultimately the race. In three years, Hamlin had 25 wins and earned 30 pole positions out of 36. Still racing in late model stock cars, Hamlin signed a driver development contract with Joe Gibbs racing in 2004. By the time he signed this driver development contract, he had over 50 wins in two years.

Since 2005, Hamlin has done nothing less, but "wow" fans. He made his Cup debut in Kansas in the Nextel (now Sprint) Cup and competed in 7 Cup races and registered 3 top ten finishes. Near the years end, he had earned his first pole position at Phoenix.

In 2006, Hamlin was named Cup Series' Raybestos Rookie of the Year and boasting a third place finish in series points. He finished the Pocono Races from pole position. The next year, he finished in the twelve in series standing, had one win at New Hampshire Summer Race. In 2008, Hamlin moved up in the series point again and finished 8^th and earned a win at Martinsville Speedway.

2009 was a big year for Hamlin as well. Finishing fifth in series points, he had four victories, including Pocono, Richmond, and Martinsville Speedways. The win at Pocono marked his 8^th win there and was also emotionally rewarding as he was suffering from the loss of his beloved grandmother, Thelma Clark. The fans witnessed a growing rivalry between Hamlin and third generation Cup driver, Brad Keselowski (aka BK12) which continues to be a popular headline.

2010 is no less exciting for the now 29 year old Hamlin. Following the season opening Daytona 500, Hamlin has had five starts since February 2010. Hamlin won the Goody's Fast Pain Relief 500 in Martinsville this past March 30, 2010. The following day, the young driver underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Martinsville win improved his series standing to 15th place and his leaves him 24 points out of the final berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. He hopes to recover soon to get back into the action.

In a career that began when Hamlin was in elementary school, Denny Hamlin has proven that he was born to be a champion. His titles include history making starts and finishes. Regardless of whether you love or hate him, he is exciting to watch.

If you are a fan or want more information on this talented young driver, Denny Hamlin, check out the following websites:

http://www.dennyhamlin.com/

http://www.nascar.com/drivers/dps/dhamlin00/cup/