Denny Hamlin is facing a pivotal moment as the final Round of 16 playoff race approaches at Bristol Motor Speedway. Positioned 13th in the standings and six points shy of the cutline, Hamlin’s journey through the postseason has been anything but smooth. However, having secured back-to-back victories in his last two appearances at Bristol, he has every reason to remain hopeful.
NASCAR insider Jeff Hammond, a commentator for FOX Sports, holds a firm belief that Hamlin’s shot at redemption hinges on a strong qualifying run. As the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Night Race looms, Hammond underscores the significance of track position for Hamlin. Without it, breaking free from his playoff slump and advancing to the Round of 12 may prove impossible.
The pressure is immense for Hamlin as four drivers will be eliminated after this final Round of 16 race. Hamlin, currently outside the playoff bubble alongside drivers like Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr., faces a daunting challenge. Once a top contender in the Cup Series, his recent performances have seen a sharp decline, making his task even more difficult.
Despite these setbacks, Bristol has been a favorable track for Hamlin in the past, offering a glimmer of hope. This time, however, there is no room for error. Hammond insists that a strong qualifying result will be the key to Hamlin’s success at the half-mile oval. According to Hammond, qualifying is the foundation upon which Hamlin’s entire strategy rests. Without a good starting position, any plans he might have will fall apart the moment the green flag drops.
Hammond, who speaks from a wealth of experience, isn’t just another commentator. He’s deeply rooted in NASCAR, serving as the general manager and crew chief for Freedom Racing Enterprises in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With a career that includes working alongside legends like Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip, Hammond knows exactly what it takes to win championships. His advice to Hamlin, therefore, carries significant weight.
The six-point gap between Hamlin and 12th-place Ty Gibbs might seem surmountable, but Hamlin can’t afford to be complacent. His recent form has been less than stellar—he finished 24th at Atlanta after a conservative approach in the playoffs, followed by a series of wrecks at Watkins Glen, leaving him in 23rd place. While Hamlin isn’t in a “must-win” situation just yet, he’ll need to perfect the fundamentals to secure a strong finish and move on to the next round.
It’s not an impossible feat—just look at Bubba Wallace, who overcame a 19-point deficit to reach the Round of 12 in 2023. If Hamlin can clinch a win at Bristol, he’ll make history as the first driver in two decades to achieve three consecutive victories at the track. The last person to do so was Kurt Busch in 2003 and 2004.
For Hamlin, it’s now or never. Unpredictable elements such as wrecks or mechanical issues can throw a wrench in his plans, and with momentum not on his side in the earlier playoff races, he knows the pressure is on. The 43-year-old driver, who exuded confidence after his win at the same short track last fall, now finds himself searching for the swagger he once had. His famous post-race quip, “I beat your favorite driver. All of them,” seems a distant memory as he grapples with the current challenges.
Despite the mounting pressure, Hamlin has the experience to handle this make-or-break moment. Echoing Jeff Hammond’s views on the importance of qualifying, Hamlin expressed a measured optimism in his Actions Detrimental podcast. He acknowledged that the race is very much within reach, stating that in every Bristol night race, someone always has a bad day, which creates opportunities for others. Hamlin plans to run consistently in the top five throughout the stages and finish strong, believing that a 47-point day will be enough to secure his advancement. However, he’s not just aiming for survival—he’s aiming for victory.
There’s plenty for Hamlin to feel optimistic about. If he can drive as he usually does at Bristol, a spot in the Round of 12 seems almost inevitable. But the stakes are higher than ever, and the consequences of failure are daunting. A misstep at Bristol would mark the most embarrassing playoff run of his career. With the pressure mounting, the question remains: Will Denny Hamlin rise to the occasion on the short track, or will he crumble under the weight of expectation?
With everything on the line, Hamlin’s performance at Bristol could define not just his 2024 playoff run but his legacy as one of NASCAR’s top drivers. The drama is palpable, and all eyes are on him as he prepares for what could be his most critical race of the season. Will Hamlin’s past successes at Bristol propel him forward, or will this be the race that finally breaks his momentum? The stage is set for a dramatic showdown, and only time will tell how it all plays out.
“Your Plans Are Irrelevant” “NASCAR Expert Analyzes Denny Hamlin’s Sole Chance as He Approaches Bristol on the Brink of Disappointment.”
