Denny Hamlin Throws His Support Behind Dale Earnhardt Jr., Emphasizes Atlanta’s NASCAR Prospects for the Future

Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. share a similar perspective with Chase Elliott regarding the evolution of racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway. They agree that the track has shown continuous improvement, making each race more competitive and thrilling for both drivers and fans.

As Atlanta prepared to host its second race of the season, Elliott publicly commended the track for enhancing the racing experience. Dale Jr. supported Elliott’s view by sharing his interview with Frontstretch on social media, emphasizing his own admiration for Atlanta’s recent races. “The racing I’ve seen there the past few years is some of the best around. Kept me on the edge of my seat,” Earnhardt Jr. remarked.

In the video shared by Earnhardt Jr., Elliott expressed his appreciation for Atlanta Motor Speedway, considering it his home track. He highlighted how the venue’s modifications have significantly improved race quality, fostering greater excitement among fans.

Hamlin’s Take on Atlanta’s Progress

Denny Hamlin discussed Atlanta’s trajectory on his Actions Detrimental podcast, comparing its current state to the way superspeedway racing used to be at Daytona before repaving altered the dynamics.

“If you ask most drivers, they’ll tell you that this is how superspeedway racing felt at Daytona before the repave,” Hamlin explained. “And I agree. I think Atlanta still needs a little more time for the pavement to fully mature, but it’s getting close.”

He continued, “We’ve already witnessed some fantastic races here in the past few years. The track is putting on a great show for the fans, and from my perspective, it delivered an exciting race.”

Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on Atlanta’s Latest Race

Following the most recent race at Atlanta, Earnhardt Jr. praised the 2025 Ambetter Health 400, particularly applauding Goodyear for providing tires that played a crucial role in shaping race strategy. He noted that the challenge of managing tire wear added another layer of complexity for teams and drivers.

He also highlighted Carson Hocevar’s impressive second-place finish, suggesting that simply following the #77 car throughout the race would have been enough to entertain fans.

Junior went on to describe the racing action, especially in the mid-pack battles, as particularly exhilarating. Reflecting on the track itself, he remarked, “Man, this racetrack has something special. I’m tensed up! What these drivers are doing is so mentally tough. Feels like everything is on edge.”

While last year’s event set a high standard, this year’s race also captivated fans due to the competitive battles on track and the emergence of fresh contenders challenging for top spots. However, a late-race caution sparked controversy, leading to widespread debate among spectators.