Since the start of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, Denny Hamlin and the #11 team have been seen as strong contenders for the championship. Their dominance on short tracks and consistent performances throughout the season raised hopes that Hamlin could reach the pinnacle of his racing career. However, as the playoffs unfolded, Hamlin appeared increasingly animated and frustrated with his performances on the track.
Questions have arisen regarding his approach to the playoffs. During the Kansas race, it became clear that the #11 pit crew had an off day, and their mistakes on pit road ultimately cost Hamlin a valuable opportunity to win the race. Understandably, he was frustrated after the race, but his outburst about not being “mentally in it” sparked considerable discussion. While Hamlin is known for his candid opinions, Kevin Harvick expressed discontent with Hamlin’s handling of media inquiries following the race.
Aside from his playoff focus, Hamlin is grappling with numerous challenges. His team, 23XI Racing, is embroiled in disputes with NASCAR regarding the charter deal. Additionally, the #11 team faced an engine penalty just before the playoffs, which further complicated their situation. On top of that, uncertainty looms over Hamlin’s sponsorship agreement with FedEx for the upcoming year. Despite the turmoil surrounding him outside of racing, Harvick believes Hamlin should have maintained his composure.
Harvick commented on the situation during episode 61 of the Happy Hour podcast, stating, “As a race car driver, you have to be a poker player. When you’re in that driver’s suit, you need to play the game and refrain from saying things that could put you in an even worse position. This is coming from someone who picked Denny Hamlin to win the race because I believe in the speed of the car and Hamlin’s talent. However, everything has blown up regarding the charter issues and more.”
Harvick continued, expressing concern that Hamlin’s remarks could negatively impact the morale of the #11 team. “I feel for Gabehart and the team because they consistently bring fast cars to the track. It surprises me that Hamlin would claim he’s not mentally in it after the race. You should never assign blame like that, even if you feel unfocused.”
Hamlin’s personality often stirs controversy in the NASCAR community, and he acknowledges that his bold statements can create significant discussions. In this instance, he feels that his post-race rant was misinterpreted.
The playoffs have been particularly challenging for the entire #11 team. Hamlin has gone from being a race contender to adopting a more survival-oriented mentality, which isn’t ideal for a driver vying for the championship. Despite facing difficulties at Atlanta and Bristol, he found some success at Bristol but fell short at Kansas, a track where he typically performs well.
Hamlin understands that his team consistently provides a fast race car each week, but it was disheartening for him to see his pit crew struggle at Kansas. His emotional reaction and statement about not being “mentally in it” have been taken out of context by the NASCAR community. He explained, “I’m in this moment, in this bubble, right? I’m trying to comprehend my day, the results, and what we could have done better. When asked about my mentality during all this, I felt rattled because I was frustrated with how the day unfolded.”
As Hamlin heads into the Talladega weekend, he is currently eight points above the cutline, placing him in a manageable position. All he needs to do is regroup with his team and aim for a winning outcome. Hamlin knows that simply finishing in the top five or top ten won’t suffice if he wants to secure the championship title.
With the right mindset and a focus on improvement, Hamlin has the potential to turn things around in the upcoming races. While the pressures of the playoffs weigh heavily on him, he must channel his frustrations into positive actions on the track to keep his championship hopes alive. The upcoming races will be crucial for Hamlin, as he needs to find a way to maintain his composure and focus, ensuring he and his team are ready to compete for the title as the season progresses.
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