In the exciting prelude to the NASCAR final, Denny Hamlin is poised to break the streak and finally conquer the championship, leaving behind the title of the best uncrowned driver.
Hamlin in the Pole Position
In his twentieth full season, Hamlin secured the pole position at Phoenix Raceway, marking the start of a decisive race. The coveted Cup title will be contested between Hamlin, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, and Hendrick Motorsports drivers, William Byron and Kyle Larson. Hamlin, who will lead the starting grid, arrives at this final after a standout season with six victories, the most in the series. His triumph in Las Vegas last month, which marked his 60th victory, secured him a place in the final and gave him three weeks to refine his strategy and mindset.With a relaxed atmosphere and joking around, Hamlin faces the most important race of his life. The driver has gathered a group of 30 friends and family who share three houses in the Phoenix area. After setting a lap at 133.759 mph in his Toyota, Hamlin secures the first position on the grid, giving him the advantage of choosing the best pit stall. Despite the expectation, Hamlin acknowledges the possibility that everything goes too well.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 so full.
Denny Hamlin
Hamlin has been close to the championship on at least six previous occasions, so the fans are hoping for a change in his luck this Sunday.No problem!
Denny Hamlin
Larson, the only champion in the contest, and Byron, two-time Daytona 500 winner, compete for the third consecutive time in the final. Briscoe, for his part, debuts in this crucial stage. Hamlin, with three Daytona 500 victories, returns to the final for the first time since 2021. Byron and Larson finished second and third, respectively, while Briscoe placed 12th.You can only control the things you can control. Obviously, we will do our best during 312 laps. I hope it will be enough.
Denny Hamlin
Hamlin’s history in the quest for the championship has been marked by adversity. In 2010, he spun out; in 2014, a problematic pit stop; in 2019, overheating; and in 2020 and 2021, strategy or speed played against him. Hamlin has become the public’s favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a victory of his would be well received.Honestly, I felt like it was a really bad lap that I ran. I was a little surprised that it was even 12th to a certain extent.
Chase Briscoe
Everyone loves a story like that, where someone is nearing the end of their career, all that, I can see why people would root for it. Obviously, I want to win. But it would be great 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 beat him badly, but it won’t kill me if he wins.
Kyle Larson
The change of team principal for Hamlin in the preseason generated controversy, but Gayle has adapted quickly and could now be the team principal who finally leads Hamlin to the title.I think it would be a shame, wouldn’t it?, that when he decides to hang it up, it was the best he’s ever won, right? I think everyone knows he’s more than capable.
Chase Briscoe
Hamlin, with 60 wins, tied for tenth place on the all-time wins list. The pursuit of this milestone became his personal consolation for not having a Cup title, and he wanted to achieve it before his father’s passing. Hamlin expressed his desire to win on Sunday, stating that it is his last chance for his father to see him.There are four very good cars, very good teams, very good team bosses. I just want to win the race and be the champion. It’s not necessarily something for me to come and get it for Denny. Would it be very sweet with Denny just because I know what he’s been through and has been close? Yes. I don’t know if that changes anything.
Chris Gayle
