Hamlin seeks to be crowned in the NASCAR final
Denny Hamlin, in his 20th season, is poised to shed the label of “the best NASCAR driver without a championship.” Hamlin secured the pole position at Phoenix Raceway for the NASCAR final, where the championship will be decided. The title will be contested between Hamlin, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron and Kyle Larson, both from Hendrick Motorsports. Hamlin will lead the final race, having won six races this season, including his victory in Las Vegas, which was the 60th of his career. This victory secured him a place in the final, with three weeks to prepare.Hamlin, known for his different moods in previous title races, appears relaxed and joking. He has gathered about 30 friends and family who share three rental houses in the Phoenix area. After Hamlin set a lap of 133.759 mph in his Toyota, earning the top spot on the grid, giving him the first pit stall choice, something that could reduce his propensity for speeding penalties, Hamlin’s fanbase has reason to be optimistic. However, there is a possibility that it is peaking too early in the weekend. ““No problem!”, he joked when asked if things are going too well. Hamlin has lost the championship at least six times, so it’s not unreasonable to think his luck could change on Sunday.“I think the advantage was winning in Las Vegas because I was able to get a lot of work done before this week. That way, this week isn’t as busy,” Hamlin said.
Denny Hamlin
Chase Briscoe“You can only help the things you can control. Obviously, we will do the best we can for 312 laps. I hope it’s enough,” he said.
Denny Hamlin
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase BriscoeThis is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”Larson is the only driver in the final who already has a title, while Byron, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, returns to the final for the third consecutive year. Briscoe will make his debut in the title race, and Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and considered the best NASCAR driver who has never won a championship, returns to the final for the first time since 2021. Byron and Larson qualified in second and third place, respectively. Briscoe, for his part, finished in 12th place.“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase BriscoeThis is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.” Larson is the only driver in the final who already has a title, while Byron, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, returns to the final for the third consecutive year. Briscoe will make his debut in the title race, and Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and considered the best NASCAR driver who has never won a championship, returns to the final for the first time since 2021. Byron and Larson qualified in second and third place, respectively. Briscoe, for his part, finished in 12th place.“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”Larson is the only driver in the final who already has a title, while Byron, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, returns to the final for the third consecutive year. Briscoe will make his debut in the title race, and Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and considered the best NASCAR driver who has never won a championship, returns to the final for the first time since 2021. Byron and Larson qualified in second and third place, respectively. Briscoe, for his part, finished in 12th place.“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase BriscoeThis is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”Larson is the only driver in the final who already has a title, while Byron, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, returns to the final for the third consecutive year. Briscoe will make his debut in the title race, and Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and considered the best NASCAR driver who has never won a championship, returns to the final for the first time since 2021. Byron and Larson qualified in second and third place, respectively. Briscoe, for his part, finished in 12th place.“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
“I feel like, honestly, it was a really bad lap that I did,” Briscoe said. “I was a little surprised it was even 12th to a certain extent.”
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he hasn’t achieved it. Hamlin struggled in the 2010 final, a bad pit stop in 2014, overheating issues in 2019, and strategy or lack of speed cost him in 2020 and 2021.
Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a Hamlin championship would be well received.Briscoe added: “I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to retire, he’s the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable. “I want Denny to win so he can have that on his resume,” he finished. Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason that he opposed. Joe Gibbs Racing was going to lose crew chief Chris Gayle if they didn’t move him, so he was assigned to Hamlin while Chris Gabehart was moved to management. Hamlin didn’t want to lose Gabehart, the crew chief who has brought out the best in Hamlin in these last years of his career, and openly criticized the decision. But Gayle adapted quickly, has taken a car to the final for the first time in his career, and could now be the team boss who finally leads Hamlin to a title.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone gets close to the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said. “Obviously, I want to win. But it would be cool to see someone who has dedicated so much time to this sport and has been so close so many times. Sixty wins. Tomorrow I’m going to want to kick his ass, but it won’t kill me if he wins.”
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. He had been urgently seeking that mark because it was his personal consolation prize for not having a Cup title and he wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, died. Hamlin told The Associated Press this week that he wants to win on Sunday because, “I know for sure that this is my last chance for my father to see it. I don’t want him to leave and never get to see the moment.”“There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion,” Gayle said. “It’s not necessarily something for me to come and give to Denny. Would it be extra sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.”
Chris Gayle
