Denny Hamlin confesses he “didn’t have that extra gear” to make it into the championship-4
Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has lamented his failure to make into the championship-4 via his podcast.
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Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)
Coming into the 2024 NASCAR Cup season, three times Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin was seen as a championship contender and he proved the claims were on points, by winning three races early in the season. But as they came close to the playoffs, the No:11 team started performing below expectations.
Denny Hamlin scrapped his way into the Round of 8 and found himself in a must-win situation at Martinsville. He failed to pull of miracle while Ryan Blaney secured the win and made it into the finale. Talking about the failure at Martinsville, he pointed out that he missed the extra gear that could give him an edge and win the race.
I just didn’t have the ‘it’ that I needed. I didn’t have that extra gear that I could just go to run faster. So, at that point what I try to do is run at 99% and try to keep myself, I wanted to try to gain any spot I could.
Denny Hamlin said via Actions Detrimental.
The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran pointed out that he was doing everything towards the end of the race, with the hopes of using the potential chaos at the end of the race to make into the finale. But he wasn’t able to find the chance in the race.
But at that point I’m just you know, trying to grind this thing out, and try to get a caution to maybe chaos and choose on a restart and I find myself with a chance.
Denny Hamlin added.
Denny Hamlin claims the playoff doesn’t reward consistent finishes
The 23XI Racing co-owner in the same podcast also discussed the issue with the playoff system. He pointed out that the format only rewards drivers who win races and the impressive consistency shown by racers are often overlooked.
You know you have that stretch in the middle of the summer you’re thinking, ‘We’re right there on the verge, we’re one of the top teams.’ But the win and you’re in just changes everything and it certainly, those good consistent finishes is definitely what it does not reward.
Denny Hamlin said.
The JGR veteran seems disappointed yet again as his championship chase ended in the Round of 8 yet again. He will now be looking to either spoil the part in the finale or help his driver Tyler Reddick to win the championship.
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Justin P Joy
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