Denny Hamlin, star driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has revealed what his ideal NASCAR racetrack would look like, detailing a $5 million concept that merges elements of Richmond Raceway’s layout with the gritty asphalt of the old Atlanta Motor Speedway. Hamlin’s vision for Denny Hamlin ideal NASCAR racetrack design plans emphasizes his preference for classic features that he believes are missing from modern tracks.
Hamlin’s Blueprint: Blending Richmond’s Track with Atlanta’s Asphalt
During a 2014 interview with Jeff Gluck, Hamlin described how he would approach building a new racetrack if given $5 million and no budget constraints. The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver explained that his design would start with the D-shaped, 0.75-mile oval configuration of Richmond Raceway. As someone who grew up in Virginia and raced frequently at Richmond, Hamlin referred to it as the ultimate racetrack configuration, calling it “crazy yet ideal” for drivers and fans alike.
What sets Hamlin’s plan apart is his insistence on using the roughest asphalt possible, reminiscent of the surface at Atlanta Motor Speedway prior to its 1997 repave. He has frequently voiced his distaste for modern repaving methods, arguing that they have led to less character in track surfaces and reduced the nuances that drivers once navigated. Instead, Hamlin prefers old-school asphalt mixed with rocks to heighten tire wear and racing excitement.
“It would be so similar to Richmond, it’s crazy. Richmond is just the ideal racetrack. I would build Richmond with the asphalt with they paved Atlanta with way back in the day,”
Hamlin was quoted as saying by USA Today. —USA Today
“If they pave tracks now, put rocks in it like they need to do. That’s how all these tracks got screwed up – they’ve got plastics in (the asphalt) now instead of rocks. So I would just lay the grittiest pavement you’ve ever seen on a track like Richmond,”
he added. —USA Today
Shifting Landscape: Classic Tracks vs. Modern Racing
While Hamlin’s dream track combines legacy elements, today’s Atlanta Motor Speedway has moved in a different direction. A recent transformation has converted it into a Superspeedway-style racing surface, favoring close pack racing and demanding strategic timing from drivers attempting to overtake rivals. This marks a stark contrast to the original design that Hamlin praised, highlighting how much racing environments have evolved.
On the other hand, Richmond Raceway, once named the “Action Track” for its intense competition, has seen its reputation diminish as it lost prominence on the NASCAR schedule. The track, previously famous for hosting the regular season finale, has been reduced in importance with the removal of one of its race dates for the 2025 season.
Hamlin’s Disappointment Over Richmond’s Lost Race Date
The recent decision by NASCAR to eliminate Richmond Raceway’s spring race, making way for a new event in Mexico City, hit particularly hard for Hamlin. As a Virginia native, he has deep ties to Richmond, noting that his family has held season tickets at the track for nearly forty years. Hamlin’s reaction underscores the emotional impact the move has had on those invested in Richmond’s racing tradition.
“It’s a bummer. It’s an absolute bummer for sure. But if you don’t show up these things happen. My family’s been a season ticket holder at Richmond for nearly forty years now,”
Hamlin told Frontstretch while reacting to the development last year [12:30 onwards] —Frontstretch
With five wins at his home track, over 2,300 laps led, and an average finishing spot of 8.1 at Richmond, Hamlin’s connection runs deep. Last year, he nearly swept both Richmond events before being eliminated by Austin Dillon in a dramatic finish, emphasizing both the competition and unpredictability the track has represented for him.
What Lies Ahead for Richmond and Hamlin’s Vision
Despite the changes, Richmond Raceway remains significant, hosting the upcoming Cook Out 400 on August 16 at 7:30 PM ET, making it the penultimate regular-season race. While Hamlin’s blueprint for an ideal track remains theoretical, his advocacy for preserving NASCAR’s historic track character continues to resonate among racers and fans who share his concerns about the evolution of the sport. The intersection of nostalgia and modernization remains a critical subject as NASCAR shapes its future schedule and track designs.
