Denny Hamlin doing his homework to stay on top of NASCAR heading into Coca-Cola 600

Denny Hamlin was so bothered by his middling performance at Dover Motor Speedway 12 years ago that he saw a sports psychologist to restore his faith. After winning the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday for his third consecutive victory at the 1-mile track, he spoke with the confidence to conquer any oval in the Cup Series. “It’s very weird and unique at this point in my career that I’m in this place,” the 45-year-old Hamlin said.

By NATE RYAN