The Circuit Journal

Credit: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 ampm Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

Column: Denny Hamlin’s legacy from the NASCAR lawsuit outweighs any championship he could win

By John Haverlin December 11, 2025NASCAR

When the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v. NASCAR lawsuit was still in its infancy 14 months ago, Jordan Fish, 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin’s fiancé, sent him a video…

The 2025 Daytona 500 was good, but modern problems continue to affect NASCAR’s superspeedway races

By John Haverlin February 17, 2025NASCAR

The Daytona 500 will always be a marquee event, and William Byron is talented enough to be called a two-time winner in NASCAR’s most prestigious race of the year.But is…

NASCAR faces many uncertainties ahead as Joey Logano steals another title in Phoenix finale

By John Haverlin November 11, 2024NASCAR1 Comment

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Should we celebrate the end or feel relief that it's over?NASCAR's 2024 season concluded at Phoenix Raceway this past weekend. Some moments from it were memorable and…

Talladega week was a big one for NASCAR in many ways; some were good, some were bad

By John Haverlin October 7, 2024NASCAR

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- The week leading up to the NASCAR Playoffs weekend at Talladega Superspeedway was a story in itself. A week after Hurricane Helene swept through the southeastern United…

Joey Logano wins Atlanta as NASCAR Playoffs begin and charter talks stagnate

By John Haverlin September 8, 2024NASCAR

When it was all said and done, Joey Logano ended the wild weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway as the happiest man in the NASCAR Cup Series.Logano, who had one win…

Chase Briscoe, Tyler Reddick triumph at Darlington while several 2023 playoff drivers fail to clinch berth

By John Haverlin September 2, 2024NASCAR

If there had ever been a NASCAR race that demonstrated how some drivers and teams can overcome the odds and persevere for greatness while others suffer shocking defeat, the 2024…

Austin Dillon’s move was ugly. But being pretty doesn’t put drivers in the NASCAR playoffs

By John Haverlin August 11, 2024NASCAR2 Comments

Joey Logano called it "chickenshit."He's not wrong. But Austin Dillon does not care about Logano's feelings. And he does not care about Denny Hamlin's feelings.He also does not care about…

Corey LaJoie’s run-in with Kyle Busch is NASCAR’s latest chance to serve punishment for on-track incidents

By John Haverlin July 15, 2024NASCAR

LONG POND, Pa. -- For decades, the "let drivers police themselves" idealogy has worked for NASCAR.When Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison banged doors, wrecked each other, and threw punches at…

Kyle Larson adds to his championship bid at Sonoma days after getting NASCAR playoff waiver

By John Haverlin June 9, 2024IndyCar, NASCAR

Several days after getting his NASCAR Cup Series playoff waiver, Kyle Larson doubles down on his case to be a title contender for the 2024 NASCAR championship at Sonoma Raceway.Larson…

Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure announcement leaves many questions as Silly Season looms

By John Haverlin May 28, 2024NASCAR

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Tuesday announcement leaves many questions about the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series field unanswered.SHR released a joint statement from co-owners Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, who said the team…