Denny Hamlin 2011 Fantasy NASCAR Preview
2010 Stats: Points Finish 2nd, 8 Wins, 14 Top Five, 18 Top Tens, Average Finish 12.9, Average Running Position 14.0, Laps Led 1,184, Driver Rating 96.2
In 2010 Denny Hamlin started the season limping, literally. During the off season he tore his ACL playing basketball. He wasn’t just limping walking around though, his performances on the track were also hobbled. In the first five races of 2010 he didn’t even finish in the top fifteen.
The game changing moment of the season was before Martinsville when he announced he would have surgery. Hamlin went on to win this race but I would consider it a miracle as Gordon and Kenseth parted ways for Hamlin at the end. Then during the off week between Martinsville and Phoenix Hamlin went under the knife to repair his ACL.
At Phoenix Hamlin showed signs that the surgery was a minor setback, but it wasn’t for long. In his second race following surgery Hamlin visited victory lane at Texas. What was significant about this victory is that Hamlin has lacked success on intermediate tracks for much of his career. In the eight races following Phoenix Hamlin won 4 times. At that point in time that was a third of his career victories.
Strengths – Denny Hamlin is a short track and flat track ace. Last year he also led the series in wins on intermediate tracks.
Weaknesses – I told you he’s not a clutch performer last year. Didn’t you read my Denny Hamlin 2010 fantasy preview? I hope you believe me now. I used words in red and bold to warn you.
Intermediate Track Grade– A, Last year Hamlin led the series in wins on this crucial track type. His wins came at Texas (2), Michigan and Darlington. Before last season Hamlin only had one career win at any of these intermediate venues and that was the 2009 Homestead season finale. His breakthrough performances on this track type was probably the fantasy NASCAR story of the year.
Flat Track Grade- A, When it comes to New Hampshire, Pocono or Phoenix sign me up. I’ll pick him without hesitation. The only driver who I would even consider before Hamlin at some of these tracks is Jimmie Johnson. I would call him a semi successful at driver at Indy.
Restrictor Plate Track Grade- B, I really can’t think of any particular reason why you should pick Denny Hamlin at plate tracks. He’s probably the best at the 2 car breakaways but the practicality of that race move coming to the checkers is extremely low. At Daytona he only has one top ten in ten races. He’s a little bit better at Talladega and has 4 top tens in ten races.
Short Track Grade- A+, Hamlin is best short track racer in NASCAR. If you need a default short track pick there is no one better than Hamlin. The only short track that he doesn’t have multiple wins at is Bristol (or a single one), but he’s the real deal there also.
Road Course Track Grade- A-, Just like Kevin Harvick I would consider Hamlin a high second tier driver at road courses. At Watkins Glen he’s only finished outside the top ten once.
How to use Denny Hamlin from a Fantasy NASCAR Perspective in 2011? My Denny Hamlin rule of thumb is “If its short or flat pick Hamlin”.
