Denny Hamlin appears to be in unstoppable form following last year’s controversial win at Kansas, where he famously nudged Kyle Larson into the wall, breaking his own long winless streak since the 2022 Coke 600 victory. This season, Hamlin has already secured three wins, showcasing remarkable consistency and performance on the track. However, his crew chief, Chris Gabehart, believes that the real challenge lies ahead in the playoff rounds, where playoff points will play a crucial role.
🗣️ "The sense of urgency to stack playoff points is partially higher than ever due to this year's first round of the playoffs."
JGR crew chief Chris Gabehart (@CG1751) outlines why the No. 11 team is focused on grabbing wins and says we'll see a big upset in the opening round 👀 pic.twitter.com/FCVJmhXVcK
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) May 2, 2024
In a conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Gabehart highlighted the significance of accumulating playoff points, particularly in the context of the first three races at Atlanta, Watkins Glen, and Bristol. He likened these races to “three wild cards,” emphasizing their unpredictable nature and the potential for unexpected outcomes. Gabehart stressed that without sufficient playoff points, teams risk facing significant upsets in the playoffs, underlining the importance of strategic planning and performance consistency throughout the season. He said,
“The sense of urgency to stack playoff points is partially higher than ever due to this year’s first round of the playoffs.”
Denny Hamlin’s bold last-lap pass last year at Kansas
As the race entered its closing stages, Hamlin found himself trailing Larson. The tension escalated after a late-race restart, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. With just one lap remaining, Hamlin knew he had to make a move if he wanted to secure the win.
Denny Hamlin got right up alongside Larson’s car, positioning himself for a daring pass. But instead of waiting for a clean opportunity, he nudged Larson’s rear bumper. The contact sent Larson’s car sideways, scraping the outside wall. Hamlin seized the moment, streaking past and taking the checkered flag.
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