Missing Crown Jewel: Denny Hamlin doesn't mince words on desire to win Brickyard 400

Denny Hamlin has 58 career victories in NASCAR Cup Series competition. Perhaps surprisingly, none of those have come at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

At this stage in his career, Hamlin doesn’t have many opportunities left to win the Brickyard 400, the only Crown Jewel race missing from his resume. That’s why this Sunday’s race at Indianapolis is even more of importance for Hamlin.

“It certainly would complete a resume of majors and certainly, I would like to get a few more of those before my career is over with. Big race here and certainly, being part of the oval makes it a little more special as well,” Hamlin told Marty Snider of TNT Sports ahead of Friday’s practice session. “I probably was as close on the road course as I was on the oval here at this track. Just had so many close calls over the years and just never been able to get to the checkered first. Certainly, would love to do that this weekend.”

Denny Hamlin looking for first Brickyard 400 victory

Hamlin has indeed been close on several occasions. In 16 Brickyard 400 starts, Hamlin has eight top 10s and five top 5s. He finished third in 2008, 2014 and again in 2018.

It isn’t for a lack of effort, Hamlin said. For whatever reason, it just hasn’t quite come together at Indianapolis.

“I’ve given it my best effort,” Hamlin said. “There’s not a whole lot I would change in the races I’ve had here. Obviously, a few things you would tweak here and there, but I feel like I’ve given it my best effort. Just things haven’t always worked out.”

This time, he rolls into Indianapolis with tons of momentum. He won this past Sunday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway, putting on a masterclass in Stage 3 and in overtime to hold off the field. Hamlin has a Cup Series-leading four wins this season, compiling the most playoff points (24) of any driver. Hamlin will look to make it five this Sunday.