|
During the 2004 season, Hamlin caught the eye of Joe Gibbs Racing with a handful of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) races while competing full time in Late Models for Dean Motorsports. Hamlin made his NASCAR Busch Series debut at Darlington Speedway, dubbed "The Track too Tough to Tame".
In Hamlin's first restrictor plate race as a NEXTEL Cup driver, he scored the huge upset by beating all 2005 pole winners in the 70-lap 2006 Budweiser Shootout. Hamlin became the first ever Rookie of the Year candidate to take home the Shootout victory.
|
 |
|
|