He's a threat to win this week's Goodyear 400 at legendary Darlington, where Hamlin is known for finding a unique entry into Turn 1 and using it to his advantage. He owns four career wins at the "Too Tough to Tame" track, which has been Darlington's reputation all the way back to its first race in 1950.

Denny Hamlin is a NASCAR Cup Series winner for the first time in nearly a year. The 44-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing veteran dominated the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway, grabbing the lead during the middle of the race and holding off the packed field on Sunday afternoon.

After his victory burnout, Hamlin unveiled a new victory flag reading "11 against the world" and held it to the Martinsville crowd. When asked about the flag, Hamlin credited the national championship-winning Ohio State Buckeyes football team with providing the inspiration.