Hamlin Seeks to Crown His Career with the NASCAR Title
Denny Hamlin, in his twentieth full season, is about to leave behind the label of the best NASCAR driver without a championship. Hamlin achieved the pole position at Phoenix Raceway, in the NASCAR championship final, giving him a crucial advantage for the decisive race. The Cup title will be contested between Hamlin, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, and William Byron and Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports. Hamlin, who will lead the starting grid, has had a standout season with six victories, the most in the series. His victory in Las Vegas last month secured his place in the final, allowing him to prepare his car and mindset for three weeks.Hamlin has remained calm and in good spirits, treating the week like any other in Phoenix, although with more media attention. He will have the support of a large group of friends and family. After setting a time of 133.759 mph in his Toyota, Hamlin secured the first starting position, giving him the advantage of choosing the pit stall and could reduce the chances of speeding penalties. Despite favorable expectations, Hamlin acknowledges the difficulty of the competition. He has lost the championship on several occasions, so luck could change on this occasion.“I think the benefit was winning in Vegas because I was able to get a lot of work done before this week. That way, this week isn’t as busy,” Hamlin commented.
Denny Hamlin
In the fight for the title, Larson is the only driver who already has a championship. Byron, for his part, returns to the final for the third consecutive year, while Briscoe makes his debut in the race for the title. Hamlin, three-time winner of the Daytona 500, and considered one of the best NASCAR drivers without a championship, returns to the final since 2021. Byron and Larson qualified in second and third place respectively, while Briscoe finished in twelfth place. Briscoe expressed his surprise at his position, acknowledging that he didn’t have a good lap. This will be at least the sixth time Hamlin has the opportunity to win the championship, and so far, he has not been successful. He has suffered setbacks in the past, including a spin in the 2010 final and problems in pit stops and strategies in subsequent years. Hamlin has become the public’s favorite, and even his competitors recognize that a championship for him would be well received.“You can only help the things you can control. Obviously, we will do the best we can for 312 laps. I hope it will be enough,” Hamlin said.
Denny Hamlin
Briscoe added that it would be a shame if Hamlin didn’t win a championship after his outstanding career. Hamlin faces the championship race after a crew chief change in the offseason, a decision he initially didn’t support. However, his new crew chief, Gayle, adapted quickly and has brought a car to the final for the first time in his career.“Everyone loves a story like that, where someone is approaching the end of their career, and all that, I can see why people would root for it,” Larson commented.
Kyle Larson
Hamlin’s 60th victory placed him in tenth place on the all-time wins list. Hamlin has been pursuing this milestone as a consolation prize for not having a Cup title and wanted to achieve it before his father, who has a serious health problem, passed away. Hamlin stated that he wants to win on Sunday, because it’s the last chance for his father to see him.“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.
Chris Gayle
