Denny Hamlin on Chicago Street Race has become a focal point as speculation rises over the event’s future in the NASCAR Cup Series. As NASCAR’s agreement with the city nears its end this season, Hamlin insists the Chicago race should remain while supporting Chicagoland Speedway’s return as an addition, not a replacement.
Hamlin Voices Support for Chicago Event and Chicagoland Expansion
NASCAR’s three-year arrangement with Chicago will conclude this year, leading to uncertainty around the fate of the city’s street race. Reports have emerged that San Diego could be under consideration as a potential replacement. The Chicago race currently holds the distinction of being the sole street circuit on the Cup Series calendar, making its unique status a key topic in ongoing discussions.
Addressing the situation, Hamlin spoke with media members on July 5, stressing the importance of maintaining the Chicago event. In expressing his viewpoint, Hamlin specifically referenced support from local communities and highlighted how the race contributes to the city’s economic activities.
“I personally would like to see them do everything they can to keep it here….I can just tell you that non-racing fans at the hotel I’m staying at are talking about the race and so I think that it’s certainly got some sort of economical impact to the city itself,” he said via Youtube/Cup Scene. [7:48 onwards]
“I still would like to see, you know, Chicagoland is not a substitute for this race, I’d like to see us run both,” he added.
Hamlin, a veteran for Joe Gibbs Racing, reaffirmed that his endorsement for Chicagoland Speedway’s return is based on expanding rather than replacing the existing Chicago event. He also pointed to the involvement of his co-owner at 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan, who has deep roots in Chicago. The street race weekend, according to Hamlin, often spurs extensive fan engagement for their team, strengthening his stance on the race’s significance.
Setbacks in Practice and Impact on Race Weekend
The current race weekend presented unexpected challenges for Hamlin. During Saturday’s practice, he experienced engine failure, which led to his withdrawal from the qualifying session. Consequently, he will begin The Grant Park 165 from the back of the grid. For Hamlin, such mechanical troubles are not new—he previously retired with blown engines at both the Texas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway, incidents that resulted in early exits for the seasoned driver.
Despite these setbacks, Hamlin’s concerns for the Chicago Street Race appear unwavering, reflecting a broader desire to protect and grow NASCAR’s footprint in major urban centers.
Insights on Ty Dillon Rivalry and In-Season Challenge
Another topic Hamlin addressed was the emerging rivalry with Ty Dillon as part of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge. This bracket-style tournament was designed to spark fresh competition, and Hamlin acknowledged that even short-lived rivalries can generate lasting interest and engagement for fans.
“I think that that’s one of the things that the In-season tournament was meant to do, right? Is to create a rivalry that maybe you wouldn’t think of and it’s, you know, while that rivalry may only last one week, the social media content will live on for forever for it,” Denny Hamlin said. [6:12 onwards]
Hamlin’s comments came after Dillon upset him in the first round at Atlanta, advancing to the next stage to take on Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing. The Atlanta event (now named Echopark Speedway) highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament, as Hamlin was involved in a multi-car crash that took him out of the contest and allowed Dillon to progress.
Outlook for Chicago and the Broader NASCAR Calendar
The uncertainty around the Chicago Street Race’s future arrives at a critical time for NASCAR as it balances tradition with expansion. Hamlin’s call to retain the event, while also exploring the addition of Chicagoland Speedway, reflects a desire by competitors and stakeholders to enhance—not diminish—opportunities in major cities like Chicago. With names such as Michael Jordan, Ty Dillon, and Brad Keselowski playing significant roles throughout the season and key races like The Grant Park 165 shaping the championship narrative, the coming months will be vital for determining NASCAR’s next steps in its calendar and urban racing ambitions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Starting in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has had an impressive career in the Cup Series.
He has won 51 races and the Daytona 500 three times (2016, 2019, 2020), earning millions throughout his career.
Q. Why did NASCAR penalize Denny Hamlin?
A. Denny Hamlin’s team was penalized for breaking engine inspection rules. NASCAR announced that the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team and driver Denny Hamlin received an L2-level penalty. This was because they violated Sections 14.7 of NASCAR’s engine inspection requirements.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. His wealth of $65 million comes from career earnings, endorsements, team ownership, and real estate investments. Hamlin’s financial success results from several factors: ✔ Earning large amounts from NASCAR race wins and contracts. ✔ Maintaining long-term sponsorships with brands such as FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin lose 75 points for engine violation?
A. NASCAR penalized Denny Hamlin and car owner Joe Gibbs after an engine seal issue was found in Hamlin’s car.
They lost 75 regular-season points and 10 playoff points for the violation.
This penalty came after Hamlin’s win at Bristol in the spring, NASCAR announced Thursday.
