Christopher Bell has offered fresh insights into Denny Hamlin’s unique driving style at Joe Gibbs Racing, a skillset that has distinguished Hamlin among NASCAR’s elite, especially at short track venues. As both a competitor and colleague, Bell shared how Hamlin’s approach behind the wheel and his mentorship have played a significant role within the team.
How Hamlin Separates Himself on the Track
Christopher Bell has long observed Denny Hamlin’s command on short tracks, where Hamlin’s reputation shines brightest. Bell noted that he aspires to replicate elements of Hamlin’s performance in his own racing craft, particularly in difficult races at places like Martinsville and Richmond. According to Bell, one key to Hamlin’s consistent excellence is his standout driving technique, making his style easy to recognize among other top drivers at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Bell further described the value Hamlin brings as a mentor, not just to himself but to many drivers who have been part of the organization. Bell credited Hamlin for helping teammates refine their approaches and navigate the subtleties of high-level competition, adding a lasting influence on the team’s overall results.
The Inside Look: Hamlin’s Signature Moves
During a recent media session held ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bell was asked to explain what makes Hamlin such a distinct presence at Joe Gibbs Racing. Bell openly shared,
“So, Denny [Hamlin] is just very unique in his driving style, and I’ve been around a lot of race car drivers throughout my career, but whenever you look at the data on how they drive the car, it is hard to pick out who is who, except for Denny.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver
Diving into the specifics, Bell pointed out that Hamlin’s throttle application and the way he decelerates through the corner make him stand apart from fellow drivers in data and on the track. Bell stated,
“Denny, the way his throttle application, his decels [decelerates] through the corner — it is very unique and very identifiable. So, I think, even before me, he has helped out certain guys in the company to become better at race tracks.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver
Mentorship and Impact on the Team
Beyond individual results, Bell praised Hamlin’s willingness to share his experience and provide guidance. He highlighted Hamlin’s exceptional command at venues such as Martinsville and Richmond as a direct consequence of his distinct driving. As Bell put it,
“a lot of it is [due to] his driving style.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver
According to Bell, Hamlin acts as a key figure within Joe Gibbs Racing, supporting other drivers with his sharp instincts, veteran knowledge, and an ability to assess both car and track conditions with precision. This collaborative spirit, Bell said, has made Hamlin a tremendous asset for the team, boosting collective performance and morale.
A Memorable Test and Its Lasting Impact
In recalling a pivotal highlight from working with Hamlin, Bell discussed a memorable session during a 2022 test at Martinsville. Bell admitted that while Hamlin was showing impressive speed during that test, his own car was struggling. Rather than watching from afar, Hamlin offered direct help by stepping into Bell’s Toyota, offering key feedback that led Bell’s crew to quickly identify and fix critical issues.
That act of collaboration not only resolved immediate challenges for Bell’s team but also set the stage for a future triumph. The lessons and adjustments made with Hamlin’s input ultimately paved the way for Bell to secure a major win at Martinsville that fall.
The Ongoing Legacy at Joe Gibbs Racing
Denny Hamlin continues to shape the culture and performance of Joe Gibbs Racing through his distinctive style and approach to mentorship. For drivers like Christopher Bell and many others, Hamlin’s techniques and generous sharing of wisdom present a model to follow, benefiting the whole organization as it pursues ongoing success on NASCAR’s most competitive stages.
