Hamlin Seeks to Crown His Career in the NASCAR Final
Everything is set for Denny Hamlin, in his twentieth full season, to shed the title of “the best NASCAR driver who has never won a championship.” Hamlin, who won the pole at Phoenix Raceway, will lead the final NASCAR championship race. The competition for the Cup will be decided between Hamlin and his rivals: William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Briscoe. Hamlin reaches this final after winning six races this season, including his victory in Las Vegas last month, the 60th of his career.Hamlin has expressed that he is relaxed and joking before the most important race of his life, approaching the week like any other in Phoenix. The pilot will be accompanied by a group of friends and family who share three houses in the Phoenix area. After achieving a lap of 133.759 mph in his Toyota, Hamlin secured the first starting position, giving him the advantage of choosing his pit stall. However, the driver might also be peaking too early. Larson is the only driver in the group with a title, while Byron returns to the final for the third consecutive year. Briscoe will make his debut in the title race, while Hamlin, three-time Daytona 500 winner, 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 12th.“I think the benefit 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
“I honestly felt like it was a really bad lap that I did. I was a little surprised that it was even 12th,” Briscoe said.
Chase Briscoe
This is at least the sixth time in Hamlin’s career that he has the opportunity to win the championship, but so far he has not been successful. Hamlin has become the favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a championship for Hamlin would be well received.
“Everyone likes a story like that, where someone is nearing the end of their career, all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson said.
Kyle Larson
Hamlin comes to the championship race after a crew chief change that he did not approve. However, Gayle adapted quickly and could now be the crew chief who finally leads Hamlin to the title.“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,” Briscoe commented.
Chase Briscoe
Hamlin’s 60th victory tied him for 10th on the all-time wins list. Hamlin desperately seeks this title, as it is his personal consolation for not having a Cup title and wants to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, passes away. Hamlin revealed 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 really good cars, really good teams, really 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 get it for 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
