2009 Key Stats

Jul 1 Hamlin has never finished in the top 10 in seven Daytona starts and is coming off 26th-place finishes in both last July's 400 and February's 500. "There is definitely a much different feel going back to the summer race at Daytona after being there for a couple of weeks in February," Hamlin said. "The biggest difference between the two is running under the lights and it being a shorter race, but the 500 is such a big race on its own and there is a ton of buildup and obviously a lot of on-track events in addition to the point race with the Bud Shootout and the Duel races. Throw in a lot of our off-track obligations during that week as we prepare for a new season, and it seems less and less like a normal race for us. So to go back to that same track on what is really a regular weekend schedule for us is pretty cool and gives you a different perspective. Of course, it's still racing at Daytona, and when you get in the car -- all of that stuff gets put out of your mind. The 500 was shortened on account of rain and we left some laps on the board last weekend at Loudon, so I hope the rain stays away for the fans this weekend."
Hamlin finished 15th at New Hampshire.
Hamlin believes Joe Gibbs Racing has made tremendous improvements in the team's superspeedway package. "We had a race-winning car at Talladega in April and we've really gone from being competitive to there being times when the three JGR cars were out in front together on these plate tracks," he said. "Kyle (Busch) won this race last season and we've seen that the JGR package is capable of winning on any of the big tracks, so we're always optimistic about what we have now. The guys at the shop, on the three teams and everyone at Toyota have really pushed the progress of our superspeedway package, and it's showing each time we get to Talladega or Daytona. It's been a big help for me that as I've grown more comfortable on these tracks and in the draft that the JGR cars are always getting better and better at the same time."
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