Race Weekend Central

Only Yesterday: Is Denny Hamlin Really Better Than Some NASCAR Champions?

2021 Phoenix Cup Championship 4 Media day denny hamlin martin truex jr chase elliott kyle larson Sean Gardner

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Sean Gardner via NASCAR Media)

Hamlin’s the best without a title. How many with a title is he better than?

5 Points to Ponder: The 2 Alpha Problem at Hendrick Motorsports

NASCAR Cup Series

#9: Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro, #5: Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro

Also, who are rising to be the championship favorites after two races? And does Kansas really need two races on the schedule?

Did You Notice?: Last 6 Champions Set Tone With Strong Southern 500 Performances

2023 Cup Darlington II Kyle Larson checkered flag (Credit: NKP)

Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography

It’s been nine years since a driver won the championship and the Southern 500 in the same year, but that hasn’t stopped the last six champions from showing muscle at Darlington.