 In 1996 Hamlin began racing at the Super Stock division at Evergreen Speedway becoming the youngest winner in the division caption three feature victories in 1997.In 1998 Hamlin moved up to the NASCAR Northwest Series, where in 103 career starts he captured 11 wins, 41 top 5 and 62 top 10 finishes.He was also crowned the 2001 and 2002 Northwest Series Champion and also was named the 2001 and 2003 Most Popular Driver.