“11 Against The World”: Denny Hamlin backs up his smack talk with a commanding victory at Martinsville Speedway. The Virginia native has embraced his persona as the NASCAR Cup Series’ heel driver, a role that has drawn both cheers and boos from fans.
His memorable statement, “I beat your favorite driver,” following a win at Bristol two years ago, has set the tone for his competitive spirit. After his recent triumph at Martinsville, it was no surprise when he unveiled a flag emblazoned with “11 Against The World.”
Hamlin remarked, “That’s me. Go shoot hoops with me, play pickleball with me, play golf with me. If I can’t talk smack, it takes away my superpower. I’m not nearly as good.” His confidence shines through, especially after a lengthy dry spell of 31 races without a win.
The 44-year-old driver, with 55 career victories, celebrated not only a win but a return to form at a track where he has historically excelled. Prior to this victory, his last win at Martinsville was in 2015, making this a significant achievement.
Hamlin led an impressive 274 of the final 275 laps in the 400-lap race, finishing 4.6 seconds ahead of his teammate, Christopher Bell. “We had the feeling [in the early 2010s] we were just better than anyone else,” he said, reflecting on his past success. He also expressed frustration over not being able to dominate the track in recent years.
His “11 Against The World” flag symbolizes not just his competitive nature but also his connections to friends from Ohio State and his podcast, “Actions Detrimental,” which often references NASCAR’s penalties.
Off the track, Hamlin is also co-owner of 23XI Racing, where he faces challenges in the courtroom, as his team and Front Row Motorsports are involved in a lawsuit against NASCAR for alleged antitrust violations. This off-track drama has raised questions about his focus, but his recent win serves as a strong rebuttal.
Joe Gibbs, Hamlin’s racing team owner and Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, expressed confidence in Hamlin’s ability to stay focused amid distractions. “I think days like today answer it,” Gibbs stated, emphasizing Hamlin’s consistent performance despite external pressures.
Chris Gabehart, the competition director at Joe Gibbs Racing, noted Hamlin’s dedication over the years. “Denny has been a consummate pro and figured out a way to compartmentalize those things better than nearly anyone,” Gabehart said, highlighting Hamlin’s adaptability in the ever-changing world of NASCAR.
With Chris Gayle now leading the No. 11 team, the transition has been smooth, thanks in part to Hamlin’s skills and work ethic. Gabehart remarked on Hamlin’s willingness to evolve and adapt, stating, “Evolve or die. And he’s clearly done it as well as anybody.”
Hamlin’s reflections on his career reveal a seasoned driver who remains motivated. “When you’re in your 30s, you’ve got such a long runway ahead of you. You’re always thinking about, ‘We’ll go win next week, the week after that,’” he said, displaying a mindset focused on future victories.
