Denny Hamlin on Richmond NASCAR schedule has become a topic of discussion as the Virginia native weighs what must happen for the track to regain a second race weekend, a privilege it lost for the 2025 season. With Richmond International Raceway currently scheduled to host just one NASCAR event, Hamlin outlined the steps needed to restore its former prominence during a media session ahead of the upcoming hometown race.
Hamlin’s Perspective on Reviving Richmond’s Doubleheader Status
Richmond International Raceway, once home to two NASCAR Cup Series races per season, now sits with a single annual date following the 2024 schedule revision. Speaking before the Richmond race weekend, Denny Hamlin—five-time winner at the circuit and favorite son of the region—addressed what both the city and its fanbase could do to reclaim another event.
He candidly acknowledged his deep-rooted ties to the track, having grown up with two races and attending both every year. Still, Hamlin pointed to changes in the sport’s landscape and underscored the importance of responding with strong local support and improved racing experiences:
“I’m probably the worst person to ask. I’m obviously very biased. I grew up with two races here. We always went to both. But the sport’s in a different place now. The way to get it back is you gotta come here and sell out at least the one time that you are here. Or at least have a really strong showing during that time. So that improves short track racing. If you can do those things with the car then perhaps possibly that it’s going to be put more in the forefront of the scheduling going forward as well.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Hamlin noted similarities Richmond shares with other key venues, likening it to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and mentioning Iowa Speedway as a mix of the two. He reflected on Richmond’s significance, not just as a pivotal short track in the sport, but as his home ground, which fuels his determination to make the most of the single scheduled event each year.
Expectations Set as the Regular Season Nears Its End
With the NASCAR regular season coming to a close—culminating in races at Richmond and Daytona—Hamlin was asked whether the stakes and intensity would rise among drivers seeking playoff slots. Despite the growing sense of urgency among competitors, Hamlin predicted the essential character of the event would remain steady, save for some drivers potentially taking bigger risks in hopes of a breakthrough.
“This is not really a big fashion forward track when it comes to strategy. I mean, it’s pretty straightforward. I mean, there, especially with the amount of tires that we’ve got. So I don’t really notice a big change in intensity. I mean, more desperation perhaps. Maybe someone that’s been mid pack is swinging for the fences with their setup, trying something just totally out of the box, hoping to hit something. But other than that, I can’t really pinpoint to anything except for at the end of races,”
he described. —Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Hamlin acknowledged that some drivers will inevitably ramp up the intensity—particularly those needing a win to secure a playoff berth. While the overall race dynamic may not shift dramatically, he anticipated heightened drama during late-race restarts, as competitors facing elimination take their final, aggressive shots at victory.
Richmond’s Uncertain Track to Two Races
While the Richmond track remains important to Hamlin and the NASCAR community, selling out its lone race and showcasing entertaining, high-quality racing performances appear crucial for its hopes of regaining a doubleheader schedule. Fans and local officials, alongside figures like Hamlin, may need to rally support and deliver a memorable event that captures national attention.
As the season heads toward its closing stretch, the future of Richmond‘s NASCAR calendar spot will rely not only on performance on the track but also on the energy in the stands. If the community and sport can align on Hamlin’s vision—delivering sellouts and compelling short track battles—Richmond might once again earn the chance to host two Cup Series races, standing alongside other key venues like New Hampshire and Iowa.
