Denny Hamlin approaches the upcoming Bristol Motor Speedway event with a renewed playoff perspective, after securing his fifth win of the current NASCAR Cup Series season at World Wide Technology Raceway. The altered circumstance ensures that Hamlin, unlike last year, enters Bristol as a confirmed participant in the Round of 12, shaping both his confidence and approach to the race.
A Turnaround from Last Season’s Uncertainty
Only a year prior, Hamlin found himself entering the Bristol elimination race six points short of the cutoff in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Following disappointing finishes—24th at Atlanta and 23rd at Watkins Glen—he needed a strong result at Thunder Valley to advance.
Hamlin delivered, finishing fourth and climbing to sixth in the Playoff standings, which allowed him to continue his championship pursuit until Martinsville, the penultimate race of the season. That campaign, marked by late pressure and chasing in the standings, stands in stark contrast to his current playoff situation.
Confidence Boosted by Recent Victory
This season, Hamlin arrives at Bristol as a recent victor at Gateway, and his place in the next playoff round is already secure. The difference is not just in the points, but in his entire mental approach to the postseason stretch, compared to the previous year’s challenges.
How Mindset Changes When Elimination Pressure Eases
The atmosphere and emotional stakes for a driver shift noticeably with playoff certainty. Although drivers often stress a consistent approach to each race, Hamlin acknowledges that the feelings behind the scenes are markedly different when a spot is guaranteed versus when it is precarious.
It was definitely different, Hamlin reflected on the prior season’s run. He noted that while he tries to maintain the same weekly process, mental pressure inevitably grows when a playoff spot is on the line. This year, Hamlin described feeling more relaxed and less burdened by playoff calculations, saying that being locked into the Round of 12 allowed him to rest much easier than before.
He emphasized a new openness about race outcomes: being more relaxed, accepting whatever results may come, and acknowledging that a recent triumph further contributed to his calmness. When close to the elimination line, however, Hamlin admitted he struggled to avoid dwelling on factors beyond his control, a sentiment he believes many drivers share in high-stress playoff situations.
“They are worrying about all of the things they can’t control. It is certainly a different mind-set.”
—Denny Hamlin, driver
Looking Ahead to Bristol’s Elimination Race
As the field prepares for Bristol Motor Speedway, Hamlin’s change in outlook distinguishes him from his own experiences during last season’s tense playoff battles. For drivers like Ross Chastain and others on the cusp, the mental game remains a significant variable, as each attempts to balance composure with urgency.
Hamlin’s path so far promises a less fraught approach to this year’s event at Bristol, and his remarks highlight how reaching the next round ahead of schedule grants both a physical and psychological edge in the high-stakes NASCAR playoffs. The outcome at Thunder Valley will not only determine who advances, but may further reinforce the value of momentum and a confident mindset in the search for a championship.
