Denny Hamlin confidently declared after last Saturday’s race that it was time to leave the past behind and focus on a strong offensive strategy. As the driver of the No. 11 Toyota, Hamlin faced a tense playoff situation heading into Bristol, having finished in 24th and 23rd place in the preceding races at Atlanta and Watkins Glen. Despite not being expected to falter after a dominant performance in earlier races, Hamlin and his team executed a crucial turnaround at a critical moment.
Kyle Petty, a seasoned NASCAR commentator, highlighted this ability to respond effectively to urgent circumstances as essential for anyone aiming to become a champion in the NASCAR Cup Series. While Hamlin’s teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing struggled in the elimination round, he managed to rise to the challenge. Although he didn’t replicate his earlier success from the spring race, he accomplished what he needed to advance.
At the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, the No. 11 team displayed remarkable focus. Following two disappointing performances, Hamlin found himself precariously close to the playoff cutline, sitting six points behind. However, with sheer determination, he surged to a 15-point advantage, becoming the only driver to recover from a pre-race deficit in the playoff standings. He finished sixth and third in the two stages, earning 13 points while remaining concentrated on his performance. Hamlin shared on his podcast, “I got to the top three or so – at that time, I told Chris, do not talk to me about points, just let me race.”
His relentless drive to reverse a challenging situation earned him praise from veteran NASCAR driver Kyle Petty. Petty emphasized Hamlin’s impressive performance, recalling how Hamlin has a history of stepping up when needed. “Denny freaking Hamlin. That’s what it was all about. I said it in pre-race. He called his shot in 2012 in New Hampshire…called his shot earlier this year in Dover. He didn’t call this shot, but he had to make this shot. They had to make something happen after the first two poor performances in this round…And he did what he needed to do,” Petty remarked.
Furthermore, Petty was bold enough to suggest that this year could be the one where Hamlin finally breaks his lengthy championship drought. He stated, “Denny’s in that championship mode, in that championship chase, in that championship mindset – probably more than I’ve seen him ever. We talk about it every year, but he’s in an attack mode now. There are only a few races left, but I think this is a guy that’s dangerous. He has caught his second wind. He sees the future; he sees Phoenix, and he can get there.”
Yet, not all NASCAR veterans share this optimistic view. Another seasoned driver expressed a different opinion, and this perspective was voiced before Hamlin secured a top-five finish at Bristol. Although Petty is optimistic about Hamlin’s prospects for the 2024 season, it’s important to remember that Hamlin has stumbled in critical playoff situations in the past. In 2010, he squandered a 33-point lead over Jimmie Johnson as the playoffs neared their conclusion. Furthermore, during the 2019 championship race, with just 100 laps to go, Hamlin’s car overheated, resulting in a 10th place finish. In both 2020 and 2021, he was outperformed by stars from Hendrick Motorsports during the Championship 4 round, and similar threats loom this year. In 2022, Hamlin was eliminated from the final four by Ross Chastain’s memorable “Hail Melon” maneuver.
Kevin Harvick, a retired Cup racer who narrowly defeated Hamlin for the championship in 2014, expressed skepticism regarding Hamlin’s championship chances. Harvick pointed out that while Hamlin has shown he can handle pressure well on the track and manage various off-track challenges, he has yet to fully capitalize on those abilities to secure a championship title. “The thing about Denny has always seemed that he’s handled [pressure well]. He’s got a lot of things that he can handle well off the racetrack. And still get in the car and perform. But he’s never gotten to the point of being able to handle it well and win a championship,” he commented. Although he anticipated Hamlin’s strong performance at Bristol, he remained cautious. “I expect them to go to Bristol and to be able to perform. But you gotta put the whole thing together.”
With a range of opinions surrounding Denny Hamlin’s chances in the playoffs, he continues to attract considerable attention within the NASCAR community. As the competition heats up, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Hamlin can finally achieve that elusive championship title.
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