NASCAR NATION: Hamlin looks to home track to rebound

Denny Hamlin needs help and a trip to Martinsville could be just the solution.

A year after leading the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings entering the final race of the season, Hamlin sits just 21st in the 2011 standings five races into the season. Hamstrung by a series of misfortunes, including engine issues, accidents and a penalty in the Shootout, Hamlin has struggles to rekindle his near-championship run in 2010 to start 2011.

Yet the sixth race of the season, the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway in Hamlin’s home state of Virginia, may be the key to an early-season rebound.

Hamlin is dominant at his home track with an average finish of sixth in 11-career races, bested amongst active drivers by only five-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson (5.3). But further emphasizing his dominance, Hamlin has won three-straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at the paperclip-shaped short track.

“I have raced at Martinsville more than I have raced at any other track when you consider total laps,” said Hamlin entering the race weekend. “Growing up in Virginia I had the chance to race here in some other series and all that track time definitely gave me a comfort level at Martinsville. That carried over to trucks and Nationwide Series and now to the Cup Series. I feel really confident at this track.”

And just a year ago, Hamlin came from behind to win the Martinsville race in stunning fashion. Jumping three wide entering a turn during a restart with just three laps remaining, Hamlin began to surge towards the front of the pack from the eighth position. After a second restart following a caution, Hamlin dove to the inside as Matt Kenseth overdrove the corner and stole the lead, and shortly after the win, in a remarkable finish in Martinsville.

Now looking for a similar finish in 2011’s early-season stop in Martinsville, a win could go a long way towards buoying Hamlin’s standings in the points. After winning a week ago in Fontana, Calif., Kevin Harvick jumped six positions in points and sits ninth, in position to qualify for the post-season Chase for the Sprint Cup.

A win and similar jump by Hamlin would have 2010’s hottest young driver back in contention in 2011 with a long-stretch of season remaining to chase down his first championship.