Denny Hamlin’s outing in Las Vegas revealed a stark contrast between a car he deemed race‑winning and the 16th‑place finish that marked the event.
Stage Strategy Turned Dud
In the opening segment of the race, Hamlin’s decision to pit after spinning while chasing stage points proved costly. He later clarified that the high groove had not yet cleared, leaving marbles that triggered the spin. The crew’s assessment that the tire advantage was insufficient led the team to a brief stop that left Hamlin grounded in the midfield.
During the post‑race interview, the veteran driver admitted that he had no sense of where championship leader Kyle Larson was. “If I had known that Larson was a lap down, I would never have chosen to pit,” Hamlin said. “I had no idea, and I was unaware that a lap‑loss would have saved it for me.”
Blindspot to a Rival’s Misfortune
The issue of “action detrimental” came again at Charlotte’s Roval. On the last lap, Ross Chastain brushed Hamlin left of the track, stealing a podium spot that would have propelled the JGR #11 driver into the next round of the playoffs and knocked out Joey Logano. Hamlin later reflected with his crew in the pits about the moment, noting that he had not anticipated the dash that could have altered the field.
Phoenix and the Final Playoff Showdown
When the championship’s final race approached at Phoenix, the decision points became even sharper. Larson opted for two fresh tires, while Hamlin went for a full set of four. The result left the JGR driver relinquishing the race lead. “You’ve got to understand, you have to give my team a break,” Hamlin said. “They’re focused on what tools we have to make my car as good as it can be.” He further explained that the crew had not been aware of Larson taking two tires, a detail that would have shifted the team’s strategy.
With the halfway mark of the Chase reached, Hamlin now lies 40 points behind Larson. While the Hendrick Racing lead has maintained a 2.2-point average during championship races, no amount of mid‑season victories can pull the No. 11 driver back to contention if Larson’s performance remains elite.
Media Reactions to the Stand‑Off
Viewers who replayed the Las Vegas finish noted that Hamlin had spun and sustained damage that threatened the car’s competitive rhythm: “Without it, our day is still very successful,” he said, acknowledging that the loss of the spin would have spared the No. 11 team from the setback.
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