Denny Hamlin shared insights ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course, discussing his previous win at Dover and the unique challenges of racing on concrete surfaces. He emphasized the importance of well-designed street races with good passing zones and highlighted Chicago's potential economic impact and fan engagement. Supporting the presence of 23XI Racing, Hamlin mentioned the importance of focusing on partnerships in a major city like Chicago, referencing marketing events with brands like McDonald's and Jordan. He also expressed excitement about the potential of new racing formats, including a hypothetical street oval race.

By the Numbers
  • Denny Hamlin has won six or seven races against Kyle Larson at Dover.
  • Toyota operates 14 manufacturing plants in North America and employs nearly 64,000 people.
State of Play
  • The Chicago Street Race is viewed as a significant event with strong local engagement.
  • 23XI Racing is actively involved in marketing activities across the city, enhancing their brand presence.
What's Next

Hamlin hopes the Chicago Street Race remains on the schedule and looks forward to potential new race formats that can further engage fans and expand NASCAR's audience.

Bottom Line

Denny Hamlin's insights underscore the value of maintaining the Chicago Street Race on the NASCAR schedule due to its unique atmosphere and promising market engagement, emphasizing the need for innovative ideas to enhance racing formats.