Denny Hamlin feeling confident heading into Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600

CONCORD, N.C. — Denny Hamlin is as confident as can be for tonight's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

His form the past two weeks at the 11/2-mile track backs him up.

Hamlin, the winner of the Sprint Cup All-Star Race last week, led Saturday's Xfinity series race Austin Dillon passed him late for the win. Hamlin was second.

The big prize comes tonight in NASCAR's longest race. Hamlin believes he has as strong a chance as anyone to be on top.

"I don't feel like there's anything I can do to drive harder or better," said Hamlin, who starts fifth. "You've got to hope you've got a fast car."

Hamlin had the fastest car at the end of the All-Star Race on May 16, working his way out front after a quick final pit stop to pull away from Kevin Harvick in the final 10-lap dash.

"Last week was a great week and on Thursday, Matt (Kenseth) getting the pole was a good sign as well," Hamlin said of his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate. "So I'm pretty excited about (today's) race."

The 600 always presents changing conditions — sunshine and heat at the start (just after 6 p.m.) then darkness and cooler temperatures toward the end.

"It's going to be a very, very big challenge to be good at both," Hamlin said.

Hit pit crew posted a sub-11 second stop late in the All-Star Race that was instrumental in the victory. In the Xfinity race, Hamlin fell as far back as 21st before rallying back to the top. He moved into the lead off a late restart but could not hold off Dillon's stronger car.

The good thing, Hamlin said, was the work his crew did in improving the car's handling and power as the race went on.

If that happens tonight, Hamlin has the driving part covered.

"As far as confidence is concerned, I'm as confident as ever," he said. "I think our organization is starting to turn the corner and, hopefully, we get some good results this weekend and from here on out."

New duty for dad: The birth of a first child is often described as a life-changing experience.

For Kyle Busch, it has also been diaper-changing.

Brexton Locke Busch was born Monday night to Kyle and wife Samantha, and the routine of the driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota changed immediately.

"It's a whole new world right now for sure," he said. "It's an entirely different feeling. You wonder where the time goes already. …

"Obviously, when his favorite thing to do is make stinky diapers, then you've certainly got your work cut out for you."

His son's birth came two days after Busch ran in the All-Star Race, his return to competition for the first time since he broke his right leg and left foot Feb. 21 in an accident at Daytona.

But the thrill of being back on the track couldn't compare to the feelings when Busch witnessed the birth of his son.

"It was emotional and physically taxing on me," Busch said. "I couldn't imagine what Samantha was going through. Obviously, I was there and trying to help her and coach her and be with her the entire time, and she did phenomenal."

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By the numbers: Dale Earnhardt Jr., voted NASCAR's most popular driver each of the past 12 years, reached 1 million Twitter followers Saturday. Earnhardt responded on Twitter with "A million thanks." … Greg Biffle, 45, and Jamie McMurray, who turns 39 on June 3, both make their 450th Sprint Cup start tonight, breaking a tie with Cecil Gordon for 45th all-time.