An influence steering failure in final weekend’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway knocked Hamlin out early and left him with a 17-point deficit heading into Sunday’s race at Martinsville.
The weekend began properly with Hamlin quickest in Saturday’s observe and he certified fourth for the race. He received the primary stage and completed second in Stage 2.
Late within the race, Hamlin was amongst these drivers who pitted a bit later for his or her last cease and properly inside their pit window, lining up eleventh on the ultimate restart.
He was capable of make up some floor, however Ryan Blaney acquired round him and finally moved into the lead. With the race ending on a 168-lap green-flag run, there have been no cautions to provide Hamlin one other shot on the leaders.
He completed third within the race however was left eight factors behind William Byron, who claimed the fourth and last spot within the Championship 4.
Photograph by: Gavin Baker / NKP / Motorsport Pictures
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, FedEx Toyota Camry
“The mechanical failure final week with the facility steering, that sealed our destiny,” Hamlin mentioned. “I’m actually happy with this complete group for displaying up at this time after we actually wanted to, having in all probability a mid-50-point day. They did nice. They did completely nice.
“The No. 12 automobile (Blaney) was the perfect automobile at this time, so congrats to them – all the ultimate 4 that made it. It’s going to be nice. Hate we’re not in it.”
One 12 months in the past, Hamlin entered the Martinsville race with a factors cushion that seemed like it could carry him to the Championship 4 however Ross Chastain dramatic last-lap wall-riding maneuver helped him edge Hamlin for the ultimate switch spot.
This season, Hamlin and his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing group had been among the many most constant groups. He received thrice this 12 months, together with as soon as early within the playoffs and till his incident at Homestead, was in rivalry for the win or no less than a robust end.
Requested about his feelings on lacking out on one other probability to win his first collection championship, Hamlin mentioned, “Man, I simply need to prepare and go attempt to win subsequent week. I nonetheless find it irresistible a lot as a result of each week I really feel like I acquired a shot to win.
“That’s what fuels my ardour, even at my age, to maintain doing this, is I’m with the group that I acquired that offers me such quick vehicles each week and offers me an opportunity to proceed to pile on these stats earlier than the tip of my profession.
“It’s not over by any means. We acquired an extended option to go.”
