Denny Hamlin brands his week as “an absolute disaster” over engine penalty

JGR veteran Denny Hamlin seems really disappointed with how the last week played for him with th engine penalty.

Denny Hamlin brands his week as “an absolute disaster” over engine penalty

Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin started the 2024 season on high note winning three races and puttying him in a premier spot in the championship chase. But the last few weeks has been a nightmare for him with undesirable finishes and surprise L2 penalty for engine infraction, that ruined his regular season championship hopes.

Denny Hamlin talked about how the penalty derailed his progress and how it affected his team in the recent episode of his action detrimental podcast. He admitted that the last five days has been an absolute disaster for him, and it has been the unluckier he has been in a long time, he even hilariously said he is “the black cat of death cursed.”

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The last five days have been an absolute disaster on my end. When you think I can’t get any unluckier, here we come. The cloud falls over. I told you I’m the black cat of death cursed.
Denny Hamlin said via Action Detrimental.

He went on to point out the point deduction would make his championship more exciting, with him in a vulnerable spot. Later in the same discussion Hamlin admitted that there is now way for him to successfully appeal the decision as the infraction n was black and white. The only way for No:11 team is getting race wins and move on.

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It’ll just make it more exciting when we have to overcome all this and finally do win a championship this year hopefully. It certainly is not ideal. With this three-race season about to start, certainly, I’m in a vulnerable spot right now in points.
Denny Hamlin added.
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Denny Hamlin gives his verdict on uncertainty over Zane Smiths’ career

Another driver who had a nightmare this weekend was Zane Smith who is driving for Spire Motorsports from loan from Trackhosue Racing. He currently doesn’t have a seat for the 2025 season with his team choosing to sign Shane van Gisbergen and Spire already signing Michael McDowell.

Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

While talking about the sad situation Smith is in, Hamlin pointed out that the rookie is still a great talent and someone who deserves a stop seat. He reckons that Smith can land a 2025 seat and hopes that it would be with a Cup team.

I think he’s a good enough talent that he is going to get a good opportunity. A winning opportunity somewhere. I hope it’s in Cup.
Denny Hamlin said.

The JGR veteran seems to be hopeful that Smith can overcome the nightmarish situation by landing another good seat. He is hoping to pull off a similar level comeback for himself over the penalty set-back, to win the championship.

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