Denny Hamlin Reflects on Winning Partnership with Dave Rogers

In a recent interview, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin expressed his admiration for former crew chief Dave Rogers, highlighting the strong bond they developed during their time together. Hamlin, a veteran of Joe Gibbs Racing, spoke on the 12 Questions series hosted by Jeff Gluck for The Athletic, reflecting on their successful collaboration that not only boosted his performance but also reshaped the trajectory of the team.

Success on the Track

Hamlin’s relationship with Rogers is noteworthy within the competitive landscape of NASCAR. He recalled how Rogers instilled confidence in him, stating, “The guy made me feel like I had the fastest car.” This positive reinforcement was evident as they prepared for races, with Rogers consistently assuring Hamlin that they had the tools needed to excel. Such encouragement contributed significantly to Hamlin’s competitive edge, giving him the mindset that he was driving a “rocket ship.”

The duo first teamed up in the Xfinity Series during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Their collaboration yielded five victories, exceeding the performance of Joe Gibbs Racing’s previous eight years in the series. This success marked a pivotal shift for the team, which had struggled to achieve the results expected from the significant financial investment.

Turning Around a Struggling Program

Reflecting on their time in the Xfinity Series, Rogers stated in a 2015 interview, “We didn’t win races with a winning program. We took a program that wasn’t winning races, and we made it win races.” This transformation demonstrates the effective communication and understanding between Hamlin and Rogers, which proved instrumental in turning around a struggling team.

Hamlin echoed this sentiment, noting that before Rogers joined, the team was merely competitive, often finishing in the fifth to tenth positions. “When he came down and brought his knowledge together, we automatically took it right to that next level within a year,” he remarked. This rapid improvement solidified Hamlin’s belief that Rogers was among the top five crew chiefs in the sport.

After a hiatus, the pair reunited in 2015 when Rogers replaced Darian Grubb as the crew chief for Hamlin’s No. 11 team in the Cup Series. Their shared history and mutual respect set the stage for continued success, reinforcing the importance of their partnership.

Hamlin’s connection with Rogers extends beyond past achievements; it influenced his decision to hire him as the senior director of competition at 23XI Racing, the team he co-owns. This move underlines Hamlin’s deep respect for Rogers’ capabilities and his commitment to fostering a successful environment in the competitive world of NASCAR.

As Hamlin continues to navigate his career, the bond he shares with Rogers serves as a reminder of the critical relationships that drive success in sports. Their story reflects not just personal triumphs but also the essence of teamwork that is vital in achieving greatness on the track.