Race charity Richmond Denny Hamlin is a labor of love

Denny Hamlin recently sold his mansion on Lake Norman, North of Charlotte, and Sprint Cup star says that a return to his native Richmond is a possibility. By John Harrelson, Getty Images for NASCAR

Denny Hamlin will race Thursday in his short tracjk race at Richmond International Raceway's charity.

By John Harrelson, Getty Images for NASCAR

Denny Hamlin will race Thursday in his short tracjk race at Richmond International Raceway's charity.

It is easy to understand why — especially given a tough-luck season for Joe Gibbs Racing driver. "All I ever need to have confidence in my ability to drive is just to go to Virginia," says Hamlin, 30, who moved to the Charlotte area six years ago after growing up in Chesterfield, a southern suburb of Richmond. "Should I just live there, because people just tell me how great I am. even though I doubt myself sometimes, they're behind me more than any fan base I've ever seen."He'll have the chance to return the favor tonight at Richmond International Raceway with a charity event that is also an homage to its roots of stock-car in the Old Dominion daring. The fourth annual Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown would pit the names premier NASCAR series as Hamlin, Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch against some of the best short-track driver of Virginia and the Northeast With colorful names such as Bugs Hairfield and dude Gibbsmany weekend warriors ran against Hamlin, while he was dividing the tracks around the North Carolina and Virginia nearly a decade ago. Now it's your turn to make a name for himself running against Hamlin as C.E. Falk III made last year by colliding Hamlin was leading on the last corner in the last year. "It's a great opportunity for these guys, and that is why it has been so difficult for me," says Hamlin, who hasn't won the event. "These guys see an opportunity to win, they will take it. He was a big deal to C.E. and he has a lot of press from it ".The regular NASCAR can be a disadvantage inherent in adjusting a setting for optimal handling because the race is held in late models, which run in bias ply tires (as opposed to radial), have a lower center of gravity and about 200 less power than a car Cup. But the move this year to Richmond (the previous site, Southside Speedway was closed this year) should be a blessing to Busch, Hamlin and Stewart, who turned thousands of laps on 0,75-mile oval.In a test last week, speed reporter Bob Dillner (which also is getting a car) said Hamlin's car was the fastest. "Everyone will be chasing Denny Hamlin, "said Dillner. "(At) Southside, late model drivers had the advantage. These guys are a little out of your element in a broader range and the guys Cup will be a little out of place in a model of late, so I'm expecting a fairly level playing field ".SPEED Hermie Sadler, who is also directing at the event, says: "Richmond will negate the fact these guys the final model performed these cars every week. At the end of the race, the more experienced guys Cup will have the advantage. "Other big names at the event include Michael Waltrip Racing, Travis Pastrana, Joey Logano and Trevor Bayne. Hamlin said to have the race in Richmond makes it easier to attract drivers, many of whom are already in their motor homes Thursday night to LAUGH to prepare for the full slate of Friday practices Nationwide and Sprint Cup and qualification. "That is the thing is try to make it convenient for these guys," said Hamlin. "They are taking the time out, and they know that is a great thing for me. Begin to have some fun with it. "It is difficult because only have 36 points of departure. You want to have as many Cup guys as you can. But it is also important to take local guys who have won the Championship in their respective tracks. So how many people come to see their local guys trying to get his shot to beat us worth as much as having a face extra Cup is to have another short track champion.Speed will telecast the event live for the first time, and Hamlin is hoping national exposure will help accomplish ambitious targets of $ 250000 in donations (more than double the total 2010) and a crowd of 6000 (up to 1500 since last year). The event benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation, which supports children's causes.He hopes the event will eventually be considered with Tony Stewart "Prelude to the Dream", which draws a cast of stars of NASCAR, NHRA and IndyCar drivers to his dirt track Eldora Speedway in June. "We're trying to model ourselves after that," says Hamlin, with advice drawn on altruism business team, Stewart and sponsor FedEx (active with the March of Dimes and a race Dover upcoming sponsorship involving research of autism). "We have a long way to go, but the entertainment value is as good as any."Of course, as far as Hamlin would enthuse the crowd of hometown Thursday, a victory in Saturday's Cup race at RIR would be sweeter. Paragraph 11 Toyota is 17 points with only one top 10 and has burned many times by bad weather in flags of caution this year. Texas Motor Speedway, he fell a lap of a green-flag run home and was unable to retrieve the back although performing onsite free pass for more than 100 laps. "I've said it for five weeks, I need a damn solid weekend where nothing goes wrong, "he says. "I had incredibly bad luck when it comes to capturing care. Then I check up from a shipwreck at the end of Talladega, and there is no care, so I miss the project. I can't catch a break at this particular moment. We have the speed. Not winning speed last year, but we're good enough to run in the top five every week. We haven't shown that. Hopefully, Richmond is the place. "Because of a new rule governing eligibility Chase Sprint Cup this season based on wins for drivers classified 11th through 20th centuries, Hamlin still could make the Chase even without falling behind in the top 10. He says that two victories would probably secure one of two wild-card spots, and "we have as good a shot to win the next two races (laughing and Darlington) like nobody's business".That's what feels as good as going to Richmond, "says Hamlin, who has two victories at his home track and four in Martinsville. "Maybe that's why I play so well at Martinsville and exists because of the fan base. I feel the confidence back. "For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ. To report corrections and clarifications, contact standards Editor Brent Jones. 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