From the July, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Who's Hot?
Yesterday at Pocono Raceway, all three Joe Gibbs Racing drivers finished in the top eleven. What makes this feat even more impressive is that two of the three drivers, Denny Hamlin and J.J. Yeley, are rookies.The “Tro-Val” of Pocono is not an easy beast to tame even for veteran drivers. How then, might you ask, does a rookie driver dominate the two races at Pocono in his rookie season? The simple answer would be to claim Denny Hamlin is the next great superstar to come out of Virginia since Michael Vick. However, I believe the answer lies just a bit deeper.
For much of its existence, Joe Gibbs Racing has essentially been a one-trick pony. Despite fielding multiple teams in the past, typically only one of the teams would be noticeable come Sunday. I believe this season, JGR has expanded its stable and now has the ability to produce multiple, competitive cars every weekend. The proof is in the points. After yesterday’s Pennsylvania 500, both Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart are in the top 10 in driver’s points.
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