Denny Hamlin shared a positive review of the new Daytona package that debuted on Saturday. In the latest episode of ‘Actions Detrimental,’ Hamlin explained how it allowed drivers to be more aggressive on overtakes.
Hamlin was one of the drivers who helped spearhead the updated rules package. The new body had lower horsepower and a reduced spoiler that resulted in lower drag.
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The changes made for an exciting race where drivers were able to get out of line and build a run on their own. In previous iterations, cars that went astray often got left behind.
“I could tell right away that the car had less grip. Certainly. I believe that handling was more of a factor this time around than what we’ve had in years past. You saw those that wanted to make moves towards the front and be aggressive, they could,” Hamlin shared.
“I think without a doubt it was better visually from my seat. I felt like if I wanted to make a push to the front, if I had the car handling, I could. I thought it was a step in the right direction and the fans need to know that this is all we could change in this amount of time,” he added.
Saturday’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 saw distinct bubbles form between draft packs. Team Penske Fords built their own momentum and moved up the order, while RFK Racing drivers Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher formed a two-man team to create their own line in Stage 1.
Chase Elliott was another standout driver who captured the lead after dropping off the draft. He was ultimately let down by a fuel strategy that saw him restart among the backmarkers in overtime.
Denny Hamlin’s teammate criticizes new Daytona package
Aug 22, 2026; Loudon, New Hampshire, USA; Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell (20) walks to his car before practice at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Denny Hamlin’s teammate, Christopher Bell, had a rather contrasting take on the updated rules package. The No. 20 driver was confounded by the fuel-mileage racing that only seemed to get worse.
“I was really disappointed because I really bought into it. I thought it was going to be a lot different and it didn’t weigh out different at all. Cars drove the exact same. So yeah, very, very perplexing,” he said via @PeterStratta on X
Bell finished outside the top 15, while Hamlin placed one spot shy of the top 10. Both drivers failed to capture stage points as well. Nonetheless, Hamlin enters the Chase as the No. 1-seeded driver, with a 25-point advantage over second-ranked Ryan Blaney.
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Bell is 50 points behind as the sixth seed. The JGR drivers now head to Darlington Raceway for the first round of the revamped Chase format. They’ll have a 10-race runway to stack points and clinch the Cup Series title.
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