"With the new points format, some drivers/teams are strategizing weekly gains. But this 'old dog' is taking a classic approach to the season. Hear how #Pennzoil400 winner Denny Hamlin is hunting in 2026."
"As if conquering The Track Too Tough To Tame wasn't hard enough, the Cup Series garage now has two additional difficult tasks to accomplish. The first being the move to the 750 HP package, which, Penske's Ryan Blaney and RFK's Chris Buescher expect to put Darlington's already high tire-wear conditions into overdrive."
"Last season's most dominant driver, Denny Hamlin, is heating up: 10th @ COTA, 5TH @ PHX & now a Win in Vegas. This, as we head to Darlington, Martinsville, Bristol, & Kansas. Tracks where he has historically performed well."
The 2026 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway features increased difficulty with the introduction of a 750 HP short track package replacing the traditional 670 HP intermediate package, creating up to 4 seconds of performance falloff. Denny Hamlin, the Pennzoil 400 winner and active Darlington wins leader with five victories, employs a classic strategic approach to the season rather than chasing weekly points gains. The higher tire-wear conditions at Darlington are expected to intensify under the new power package, according to drivers like Ryan Blaney and Chris Buescher. Hamlin's recent momentum, including wins and top-five finishes, positions him as the primary threat heading into the race at The Track Too Tough to Tame.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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