GT5 Transcripts/2011 Denny Hamlin ♯11 FedEx TOYOTA CAMRY '11



Denny Hamlin had a breakthrough year in the 2010 NASCAR season. Scoring eight victories in the Sprint Cup series, he placed 2nd in the championship behind Jimmie Johnson and was the highest-finishing driver piloting a Toyota race car in the series. His exceptional skills, clever race strategy and ability to conserve tires have positioned him in the upper echelon of NASCAR drivers who consistently vie for the Sprint Cup title each year. Though he has yet to win a championship in his first five years competing at NASCAR's highest level, many believe that it's only a matter of time before he takes that first title.

Born in Chesterfield, Virginia, Hamlin began karting at the age of 7 and, immediately showed a great level of talent. His big break came in 2004 when he signed a driver development contract with former Super Bowl winning football coach and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs.

His Sprint Cup debut was nothing short of spectacular. Competing in seven events in 2005, he took pole position in his sixth race. In 2006, he attracted everyone's attention when he became the first rookie to win NASCAR's kickoff event of the season, the Budweiser Shootout. He won his first official Sprint cup race in the 14th race of the season and won his second race in the 20th race of 2006; both victories came after winning the pole position for each event. His tremendous success in the 2006 season saw him take rookie of the year honors.

With his unyielding motivation and skills improving every year, many in the world of NASCAR are keeping a close eye on Denny Hamlin.