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Hamlin had a very up and down 2014 season. Never was really consistent , but was able to find a way to be in championship contention at the right time. How he does in 2015 could be all depended on JGR as a whole. Clearly they were down on power in 2014.
At Intermediate venes , Hamlin have proven to be a reliable threat any given weekend. Texas,Homestead,Kansas,Charlotte,Darlington and Las Vegas are probably the most popular places to use him. Beyond that it hard to say. More hit and miss type deal. I would use him at those tracks and play the waiting game one the rest.
Hamlin was once a mastermind on the flats. Past few seasons he been good. But from 2006-2010 he was phenomenal. Still probably one of the best in the business. Pocono and Indy been kind to him from career standpoint. In 9 career Indianapolis races , Hamlin have 4 Top 10s and 6 Top 20s. At Pocono in 18 starts , Hamlin have 4 wins and 11.8 average finish. Over past two seasons, Hamlin have collected finishes of 3rd and 18th. At Pocono Hamlin been very reliable over past 2 seasons. Outside of an 43rd in 2013. DH have finishes of 4th,9th and 8th.
New Hampshire could be considered his best flat. In 18 career races , Hamlin have 10.5 average finish and 2 wins. He been average past 2 seasons. Only 1 Top 10 in past 4 races. Including two finishes outside top 20s. Like I said last season , I believe Denny will never be the same after that serious crash few years back. I can tell you by experience. Its take awhile to recover from that. If ever.
Martinsville probably his top short track. Over past 3 races , Hamlin best finish been 7th and 11.3 average finish. In his career Hamlin have 6 wins at Martinsville. At Bristol Hamlin been inconsistent. But have shown promised here more times then not. Over his past 4 Bristol Hamlin have 91.0 driver rating with a 24.2 average finish. I can tell you that the average finish doesn't match. Average running position probably could back up my claim.
Not even sure what happened to Hamlin at Richmond lately. In his past 3 races at RIR , Hamlin best finish is a staggering 21th. His driver rating is an 77.8. Just terrible. Last spring was running in the teens before spinning. Just wasn't very competitive at either race.
At Plate venues Hamlin was pretty much unstoppable. He just couldn't find a way to finish bad. Meh okay maybe that taking it too far. In 4 races , Hamlin had an 6.7 average finish and 3 Top 10s. Including 2 Top 2 finishes. From career point of view , Hamlin been hit or miss. A lot of luck involved. But that a given right?
At road courses I usually try to think positive. But Denny not even batting .500 at Top 20 in 18 career starts. 8 Top 20s and 10 finishes outside top 20s. Hard to give someone credit who haven't earned it. Much better places to use Hamlin. At best he is an top 20 option and that isn't a sure thing with Hamlin track record.
I am not gonna sit here and tell you how great Hamlin is. We all know that. Anyone in JGR caliber equipment will have a chance to performance well. I feel like pairing of Rogers and Hamlin will either worked out very well or very poorly. Hamlin best tracks will be the Intermediates , flats and shorts. Plate tracks I am not sold on. Every year a new driver seems to get hot on this type track. Typically outside of a few plate specialist , it a new driver. Wouldn't bank on Denny being the golden goose.
Twitter - @JeffNathans
