Denny Hamlin “Isn’t Shell-Shocked” Over Unfavorable Chase Stading After Phoenix Race

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin was expected to dominate the 2026 chase, after he started the post-season as the leading driver with momentum on his side. But he got outperformed by the Kyle Larson (P1) and Chrostopher Bell (P2) duo, as he found himself at P4, 31 points behind the leader after the Phoenix race.

He had the perfect opportunity to take the lead back from the No:5 driver last Sunday, after the HMS racer DNF-ed. But the veteran failed to match the pace of his teammates Bell and Chase Briscoe, who maximized their points. Talking about its post-race, the No:11 driver admitted the situation doesn’t shock him, as it’s not the first time, he has lost momentum in the chase nearing the final race week.  

Some things are meant to be, some things are not meant to be. There have been so many cards that have been dealt in my career in these playoffs, Chase, that I’ve seen it all. Nothing surprises me. It’s not like I’m not shell-shocked because I’ve been here.

Denny Hamlin said after Phoenix race.

Not delivering on the track owing to poor execution or bad luck when it mattered the most has been the one thing that’s been holding back Denny Hamlin for years from winning his maiden title. But he knowns the TRD needs just one win to get upfront again and has full confidence on his crew to deliver him a good car in the coming three race weeks.

We just cannot finish races to the best of our capability. Until we can start doing that in a really big hurry, you never know what can happen… Just one win – it’s doable. One win, we’re right there, and we need to do that.

Denny Hamlin added via nascar.com.

Denny Hamlin’s crew chief laments missed opportunity at Phoenix

The No:11 crew chief Chris Gayle also shared his disappointment about the unfortunate incident. He is dejected with the fact that they couldn’t take advantage of Kyle Larson’s misfortune and blamed the flat tire for ruining their chances.

It’s unfortunate that we didn’t close the gap more because there was opportunity to do it. We were sitting in the spot to do that before the flat tire. It is what it is – there’s three more.

Chris Gayle said.

Further talking about the point, Gayle asserted that they will remain the title contention as long as they can give their 100%. At the moment, he has switched his focus to the next three races and helping his driver secure the much need win.

All you can do is the best you can every week. As long as you don’t leave anything on the table that you knew you should have done, lay your head down at night and however it all plays out in the next three, it will play out.

Chris Gayle added.

If the TRD team can maximize their points tally next week at Talladega and win the week after at Martinsville, they will surely be in solid spot to win the 2026 championship. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the veteran in the coming race days.

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