Another NASCAR Track Losing Identity! (New)

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Welcome to the Lucky Dog on Track Newsletter—your ultimate pit pass to NASCAR! From the thunderous start at the Daytona 500 to the season’s most intense finishes, we’re here to fuel your passion with exclusive insights, interviews, and in-depth analysis—three times a week.

NASCAR has been on a mission to revive old tracks. North Wilkesboro made a triumphant return, and now Rockingham is back with Truck and Xfinity races on the schedule. But what about Southside Speedway? It’s Denny Hamlin’s home track, yet he doesn’t seem to be in a rush to bring it back. And here’s the real shocker—another iconic track fans were hoping to see return might not be making a comeback after all.

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🌪️ Cause for Controversy 

Hamlin’s Hometown Turning Against Him?

Folks, Denny Hamlin may still be chasing that elusive championship, but one thing’s for sure, his talent behind the wheel is undeniable. It all started at a little bullring in Virginia, where a young Hamlin cut his teeth racing mini stocks at Southside Speedway. This was long before Joe Gibbs Racing came calling, it was those short-track battles that shaped him into the driver he is today. And no matter how far he’s come, he’s never forgotten where it all began.

But that speedway has been silent since 2020, its grandstands empty and its history fading. And, Chesterfield locals are expecting their hometown hero to bring it back to life. And, even Hamlin has dropped hints, sparking hope. But nothing has materialized so far. However, tired of the uncertainty, the homies have taken matters into their own hands.

Hamlin's got no part in it. He is still waiting to "know how they would like him involved in the next steps." In fact he is complaining and also made a big revelation on his involvement. Spoiler alert: it's zero! Listen to this audio clip.

"I would love to own it if I were to run it...but if we’re going to put effort and time, I would like to have some kind of stake in the facility,” is what Hamlin said in 2023. But that’s long gone, and been 2 years. And, knowing how big of a deal is the driver(worth $65 Million), maybe the reason his folks are expecting him to invest.

But comes 2024, he said, "The state or the city needs to fund it. I'm not going to fund it myself. I will run it but I won't fund it." Clearly, he's not looking to put his money into it. And, turns out...an investor group, CRI, led by Lin O’Neil and Jeff Oakley is behind the whole project. And these are good friends of Hamlin. For them, the track is an emotion; O’Neil even said the revival is just like winning the Daytona 500. And, what shocking is how Denny turned him down. Here’s O’Neil’s big confession.

The Chesterfield native was talking about some 2.5 Million and getting the track up is just step one. To truly thrive, it needs races, core NASCAR fans, and a real spotlight. And we know Denny, you can bring that.

He has already talked to Dale Earnhardt Jr. about bringing the CARS Tour to Southside, and Junior’s on board—he even promised to run two races a year. So, we don’t know what’s stopping the JGR driver.

The track is expected to be ready by 2026-27, but whether Hamlin will invest in the ‘toughest short track in the South’ remains to be seen. And, that’s a Denny Hamlin problem.

But hey, that shouldn’t stop you from making some smart investments of your own. We’ve got some solid money-making plans for you.

🗣️ Talk of the NASCAR Town

This One’s a Crown Jewel for Blaney’s Collection

Seriously, who doesn’t love a good piece of NASCAR history? Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a Cup Series champ, there’s just something special about iconic memorabilia. And Ryan Blaney just got his hands on Tim Richmond’s helmet. Yeah, the Tim Richmond!

If you need a quick refresher—let’s rewind to the 1986 Cup race at Pocono Raceway. The stands were packed, the energy was unreal, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. was the guy everyone was watching, chasing his second Cup title. And, Dale had already racked up three wins that season. But then came Tim Richmond.

On the final lap, Richmond was out front, with Earnhardt, and David Waltrip all over him. Then, in a move that had everyone holding their breath, Richmond eased off just enough to let others slip by. For a second, it looked like Ricky Rudd or the Intimidator had it. And then…Boom! Richmond pulled off a perfect sling-shot pass at the last moment, taking the win in one of Pocono’s most unforgettable finishes. Here’s the footage from that intense race.

Now, imagine Blaney owns a piece of that legacy. And for any true NASCAR fan, that’s huge. That day, a young Rick Hendrick was over the moon—his guy had just outdueled Dale Earnhardt Sr. on one of the biggest stages. And that wasn’t the end of Richmond’s dominance. That season, he went on to win seven races, making him the winningest driver of the year. But with five wins and a relentless drive, Sr. took home the championship, while Richmond settled for third in the standings.

But, Richmond’s historic helmet has its own wear-and-tear, it’s so full of character. It is neat. It's got details like Richmond’s blood group, date of birth, and even a note about a tetanus shot from August 1973. And you can't help but get jealous of Blaney. Look at this beautiful helmet. 

We are sure Blaney is taking this one to the grave. And Bubba Wallace is not even getting to touch it. Especially after how he teased the Penske driver with his Star Wars helmet.

Continue Reading: Chase Elliott’s Iconic Sponsor Leave Ryan Blaney’s Model Wife Feeling Nostalgic Amidst Bankruptcy Rumors

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🔮 Lucky Dog’s Perspective

NASCAR Might Be Lying to Its Fans

It’s starting to feel like we might not be getting Auto Club Speedway back anytime soon. Remember that unforgettable moment in 2023, that final "5-wide salute" as drivers paid tribute to the track one last time? Here’s a quick look back at that emotional sendoff. 

While that was one classic, Kyle Busch’s dominant win might have been the last Superspeedway race Southern California will ever see. And, it’s not every day you build a two-mile track.

NASCAR promised to transform Auto Club into a half-mile short track, but... are they really? That’s the big question.

The update: NASCAR sold 433 acres of the track, and developers have already started building the Speedway Commerce Center—which means everything from warehouses to residential housing is coming up on that land. NASCAR did hold onto 90 acres, supposedly for the new track. But, a racetrack in people’s backyards might have been cool in the ‘90s. Now it’s just considered a nuisance.

And, when NASCAR West Region President Dave Allen was asked about it recently, his response wasn’t exactly reassuring. “We’re going to do something. I just don’t know what and when yet." Now, that’s about as vague as it gets. And there aren’t even solid plans for those 90 acres. So, it is concerning if the Auto Club is really coming back.

The Lucky Dog’s perspective: It all feels like part of a larger trend in the Southern California racing scene. The land has become too valuable, and for developers, starting other ventures is simply more profitable than keeping a racetrack alive. Just look at what happened with Irwindale Speedway—they’re replacing it with an industrial complex. And, it would be heartbreaking if Auto Club Speedway went down the same path.

Talking of NASCAR decisions, here’s what its very own Dave Allen practically admitted, “At the end of the day, we’re a for-profit company, and we have to make decisions that are good for the business so we can keep it going.”

We understand everything revolves around profits. But it’s the sport we love dearly. And, it’s high time NASCAR acknowledges that fans aren’t asking for much. Just one race. Just one opportunity to create more unforgettable moments—like Kyle Busch’s first Cup Series win—and to keep this track alive for the next generation of racers.

Continue Reading: A NASCAR Star Drops Life-Changing Announcement, Community Melts Over Welcome Surprise

😤 Rant of the Week

IndyCar claims to be the "Fastest Racing on Earth," but the Nitro Mustang Dark Horse Funny Car driver isn’t having it. It looks like FOX Sports promoted the claim—probably poking the wrong bear.

🔎 The In-Depth View

Can Grandpa Gibbs Afford to Keep Betting on Ty?

Joe Gibbs Racing is in a pickle right now and Coach Gibbs has got a tough task at hand. Sure, the team is off to a strong start in 2025, with Christopher Bell winning three in a row. But is it enough to say they’re back in championship-winning form? We think, not yet.

Bell had a great season last year, too, but not a single JGR driver made the Championship 4. Clearly, something needs to change. Or rather… someone. Bell is locked in at the #20, no questions asked. Denny is not going anywhere unless he claims the championship. Chase Briscoe just joined the team—it wouldn’t be fair to pin anything on him this early.

That leaves one car, one driver: the #54, Ty Gibbs. But would Grandpa Gibbs really replace his Ty? That’s unlikely. Even though, at this point, it seems like the only logical option.

Ty Gibbs has run 95 Cup races without a single win. His 2024 end was brutal. He just bagged four finishes inside the top 20. But hey, let’s not forget the guy is only 22. Maybe he just needs time. But the problem is, that 2025 isn’t looking any better either. Aside from his P16 finish at Daytona, he’s racked up three straight DNFs.

No one’s denying his talent. Ty’s 2022 Xfinity championship proves that. But Cup racing is a whole different beast. Some drivers just aren’t built for both. Take Cole Custer for instance. He struggled in the Cup, dropped back to Xfinity, won a championship (almost two), and now he is back in the Cup with stats no better than Gibbs’.

We know Granpa isn’t letting Ty go anywhere. Maybe he believes his grandson can prove everyone wrong. But if he doesn’t, Joe Gibbs will have to make the tough call. And with Toyota grooming a prodigy like Corey Heim, that decision might come sooner than expected.

And, if Joe Gibbs isn’t willing to make his grandson go, his dream project may have to settle for being the third-best team in the garage.

Continue Reading: “I’ve Learned to Forgive and Forget”- JGR Returnee Breaks Silence on Longstanding Hatchet With Joe Gibbs’ Grandson

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