Denny Hamlin, seemingly unstoppable this season with three wins in the first 12 races, faced the question of how many more races he might win during his podcast “Actions Detrimental.” His co-host Jared Allen posed the query, to which Hamlin responded with confidence, “Probably 22 of the next 25, I’m taking out the road courses. Other than that, that’s all I’m taking out.”
How many races could the No. 11 team win before the end of the year? 🏁 pic.twitter.com/Z4KPk056r9
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) May 2, 2024
As the number shocked Allen he said, “They (analysts of The Teardown) would expect you got realistically, you would win four of the next 25. And if you won four, that would be a seven win season. And then that would actually probably be pretty disappointing. If you only won four of the next 25 races based on how you’re running,”
Denny Hamlin’s Crew Chief Navigating the Crucial First Three Playoff Races
🗣️ "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
As the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs kick into high gear, teams find themselves at a critical juncture. The first three races of the playoffs set the tone for the entire postseason, and crew chiefs like Chris Gabehart, who oversees Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team, understand the significance. Let’s delve into why these early races matter and how teams can position themselves for success.
The Crucial First Three Races
- Darlington Raceway (Southern 500): The playoffs kick off at Darlington, a historic track known for its challenging conditions. Crew chiefs must balance aggression with caution. A strong finish here sets a positive tone for the team.
- Richmond Raceway (Federated Auto Parts 400): Richmond demands finesse. Teams must optimize pit stops, tire management, and strategy. A win at Richmond provides a buffer for the next round.
- Bristol Motor Speedway (Bass Pro Shops Night Race): Bristol’s high-banked concrete oval is a wild card. Expect chaos, close racing, and potential upsets. Surviving Bristol unscathed is crucial.
