“Racing keeps them from doing that”: When Denny Hamlin pointed out NASCAR’s tough part that ‘restricted’ drivers from doing what they wish

More than a decade ago, NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin spoke about the challenges of balancing hobbies with a demanding schedule. He explained that the long NASCAR season leaves drivers with just a few months off and makes it hard to follow other activities.

The NASCAR Cup Series season has included 36 races spread out over 10 months since 2001. In a 2011 interview, Hamlin talked about the Cup Series having one of the toughest schedules and said:

"I can assure you that most of the drivers in here have a lot of things they'd like to do, but racing keeps them from doing that. Any hobbies, traveling – we're so restricted because of our long season. We have a one-and-a-half-month period where we get to do what we want – that's shorter than any other sport. It makes it tough, for sure." (via SBNation.com)

Denny Hamlin also shared that he would want to take a year off to explore other interests.

"I would definitely take a year off, for sure. At this point in our sport and where it's at, it wouldn't happen. Three or four years ago, you could probably be like Mark Martin and kind of come and go as you wish. But yeah, there's plenty of things I want to do, other than racing," he added.

NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine also echoed Hamlin's concerns in a recent interview with The Racing Experts where he gave an insight into what his bustling routine during a competitive season would look like.

Hamlin was in his sixth full-time Cup season with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2011. He struggled in the first few races but finished the year in ninth place with one win.

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"I just want to be known as the guy everyone had to watch for" - Denny Hamlin on career legacy

Denny Hamlin during the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Convention Center. - Source: Imagn

In the same interview, Denny Hamlin also shares how he wants people to remember him. He talked about how his goal in Late Model stock car racing was to be the driver everyone thought was the hardest to beat and wanted to leave a similar effect after he retired.

"I always said when I was in Late Models, all I ever wanted was when I pull out on the racetrack, people feel like I'm the guy to beat...I just want to be known as the guy everyone had to watch for, constantly. Like, 'If you're going to beat 'em, that's the guy to beat.' There were some Late Model racers back in the day that we knew were going to be tough to beat when they showed up. That's the feeling I'd like to have," Hamlin said.

Now, after 20 years in the series, 44-year-old Hamlin has 54 Cup wins and owns a NASCAR team with NBA star Michael Jordan.