Denny Hamlin Breaks Silence on Southside Speedway Revival But Refuses to Put Money Into It

Key Highlights

• Denny Hamlin expressed support for Southside Speedway’s revival but will not invest financially in the project.
• Competitive Racing Investments secured a lease-to-purchase deal to revive Southside Speedway.
• Hamlin emphasized the importance of tactical investments and community support for the project’s success.
• Southside Speedway played a significant role in Hamlin’s early racing career.
• CRI aims to transform the venue into a multi-purpose space hosting races and other events.

Denny Hamlin’s Passion for Short-Track Racing

Although many know Denny Hamlin as a NASCAR driver, his deep-rooted passion for short-track racing has played a notable role in his career and philanthropic efforts. This devotion is exemplified by the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, a charity event he initiated in 2008.

“This is truly one of my favorite events to host because of what it means for the local racers.” – (hamlin)

The Showdown was a unique platform where NASCAR’s elite met local racing talents, fostering a community spirit while raising funds for the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab at VCU’s Children’s Hospital. Initially held at Southside Speedway, the event later moved to Richmond, South Boston, and Langley Speedway.

Financial constraints and logistical hurdles forced its cessation in 2018, yet its impact endures. Hamlin’s commitment to grassroots racing not only emphasizes his interests but also highlights his dedication to leveraging his stature for charitable causes.

Southside Speedway’s Revival and Hamlin’s Absence from the Project

Despite Denny Hamlin’s storied history with Southside Speedway, the track’s revival project moved forward without his direct involvement. Competitive Racing Investments (CRI), led by Lin O’Neill and Jeff Oakley, secured a notable 20-year lease-to-purchase deal with Chesterfield County to breathe new life into the historic venue.

Hamlin, though deeply tied to the track, chose not to invest financially in the endeavor. He expressed support and disappointment, acknowledging the project’s potential while opting to observe from the sidelines.

“It’s going to depend on how much money they’re willing to put back in it to get this thing revived and going again. But overall, really looking forward to Lynn and his whole team reviving that track.” – (hamlin)

Role of Southside Speedway in Hamlin’s Career

Southside Speedway served as an essential launching pad in Denny Hamlin’s racing career, where his early performances in late model races captured the attention of NASCAR scouts and set the stage for his future success. The track, with its tight turns and challenging layout, honed Hamlin’s skills, preparing him for professional racing.

In 2008, Hamlin returned to Southside Speedway, not just as a competitor but as a host. Alongside Kyle Busch, he organized the Short Track Showdown, an event that drew record-breaking crowds and featured NASCAR stars like Tony Stewart, competing for charity against young racers.

Despite its closure in 2019, Southside’s influence on Hamlin’s career remains indelible, marking the track as an important chapter in his racing pursuit.

CRI’s Big Plans for Southside Speedway’s Future

With an ambitious vision to rejuvenate a historic racing landmark, the Community Revitalization Initiative (CRI) has revealed its plans to transform Southside Speedway into a vibrant multi-purpose venue.

Once dubbed the “Toughest Short Track in the South,” the speedway will undergo extensive renovations, aiming to host weekly races, concerts, and diverse events to secure its enduring prosperity. Lin O’Neill, who once faced a ban from the venue, now spearheads this revival, comparing the endeavor to succeeding at the Daytona 500.

“Man, I feel like I won the Daytona 500. It’s better than the Daytona 500. I mean, this is home, and now, between me and Jeff, we get to give it back to all the future racers and the past racers. We hope to have Denny’s race back here if he wants to do it. This is his home track too. Hopefully, he’ll come in and help us with some things that would be cool to help us get it even better than it ever was.” – (Lin O’Neill)

“[I’m] really looking forward to Lin [O’Neil] and his whole team reviving [Southside Speedway]. It’s just such a great location.”@dennyhamlin happy that Southside Speedway is getting revived, says he’s willing to race at the speedway after retiring.

📹: @m_massie22 pic.twitter.com/PvTmVhrAxM

— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) March 19, 2025

O’Neill, alongside his partner Jeff, envisions returning the speedway to its former glory, serving future and past racers. Furthermore, there is hope to reinstate the celebrated Hamlin’s Short Track Showdown.

Hamlin’s New Sponsor and His Focus on the Cup Series

As the Community Revitalization Initiative aims to breathe new life into Southside Speedway, Denny Hamlin is charting a fresh course of his own with a new primary sponsor, Progressive Insurance.

This new partnership marks a notable shift, as Progressive will fill the gap left by FedEx, becoming the primary sponsor for 18 races in 2025. Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, expressed enthusiasm for the alliance, highlighting Progressive as a “premier national brand” that aligns well with Hamlin and the No. 11 team.

“Progressive is a premier national brand and a leader in the insurance industry. We are thrilled to have them partner with Denny and our No. 11 team.” – (gibbs)

Hamlin is set to reveal Progressive’s colors at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, a track where his record boasts three wins and three poles. Despite being close to a victory in 2024, Hamlin faces formidable competition from his teammate Christopher Bell, who has already claimed three wins in the season’s initial five races.

News in Brief: Denny Hamlin Breaks Silence on Southside Speedway

Denny Hamlin’s decision not to financially support the Southside Speedway revival emphasizes his focus on his NASCAR Cup Series commitments and new sponsorship obligations. While the speedway played a crucial role in shaping his early career, Hamlin’s involvement remains limited to expressing passion for short-track racing through charity events.

Meanwhile, CRI’s ambitious plans for reviving Southside Speedway suggest a promising future independent of Hamlin’s investment, accentuating the track’s enduring significance within the racing community.

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