NASCAR driver, newly minted TV star Hamlin relishes return to Bristol

Thanks to the Netflix effect, Hamlin has also emerged as a television star.

The 51-time Cup race winner has a starring role in the five-part documentary series titled “NASCAR: Full Speed.”

From his luxurious home on Lake Norman to life with his family, viewers are given a rare behind-the-scenes look at the former Late Model racer from Chesterfield, Virginia.

In a Zoom interview earlier this week, Hamlin talked about his new level of fame.

“There have been a lot of comments, from NASCAR fans at the track to casual fans,” Hamlin said. “So, the show has certainly had a positive impact. And from what we’ve seen with the ratings, it’s been a positive for the sport.”

Hamlin will be a center of attention again in Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Consider how Hamlin punctuated his third career Bristol victory in last year’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race.

In response to a chorus of boos, Hamlin drew more jeers after proclaiming, “I beat your favorite driver! All of them!”

Like most of his competitors, Hamlin embraced the return of the concrete surface on the high-banked, high-speed Bristol track.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s day or night, Bristol always puts on a great show,” Hamlin said. “As a purist, I love seeing the race back on the concrete.

“And as the last guy who won at Bristol, it’s going to be good to back there and test what this car wants compared to what we’ve had in the past.”

The growth of BMS was fueled by highlight-reel Cup races that featured a heavy dose of wrecking, fighting and fussing.

Hamlin offered his explanation as to why recent BMS dramas have featured a more technical brand of racecraft with long stretches of green flag racing and few multi-car incidents.

“I just think everyone’s being more cautious knowing how the point [standings] play out,” Hamlin said. “And drivers have gotten smarter over time and figured out the risk versus reward factor when they decide to go for it.

“When it comes to last-lap battles, you will see some of the contact and rubbing we’ve had in the past.”

Through four races this season, Hamlin ranks eighth in points with just one top-10 finish. He wants more.

“It’s been an OK start, but I haven’t really got the finishes I’ve probably deserved in any of the races,” Hamlin said. “It’s about execution. I haven’t done a great job of executing so far.

“But overall, I’m pretty pleased with it. We’re just [22] points behind the lead right now. Given the speed of our cars, we should be in good…