Denny Hamlin Regrets Aiding Joey Logano by Eliminating Bitter Rival Ross Chastain from Playoffs

JGR’s Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts on dramatic incident Ross Chastain giving Joey Logano the chance to steal a R-8 spot.

Denny Hamlin Regrets Aiding Joey Logano by Eliminating Bitter Rival Ross Chastain from Playoffs

Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano (Via @RossChastain/X, IMAGO and @joeylogano/X)

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Ross Chastain left Charlotte Roval heartbroken after getting eliminated from R-12, despite having one of the fastest cars of the day. His mistakes on the pit-road and letting Denny Hamlin pass him on the last lap, only to then spin him out on the final corner played a significant role in the elimination. Reigning champion Joey Logano took full advantage of the situation.

The No:1 Chevy driver Ross Chastain was fighting No:22 Ford of Joey Logano for the final spot in the R-8, and till the Denny Hamlin incident, the Trackhouse racer was comfortably ahead. At same time, the Team Penske Racing veteran grinding his way into the next round of the playoffs isn’t good for nit just Chastain, but Hamlin as well.

The reigning champion is expert in finding ways to survive tough period, and R-8 features races that suits the No:22 team. If they make it into the championship-4 yet again this season, he will have the best short at winning the title, considering Penske drivers are almost unbeatable at Phoenix Raceway, the finale venue. On his post-race interview, Hamlin admitted that it would have best for him to keep Chastain ahead.

I would not have passed him… I mean, truthfully, I wish I would have just known what the last scenario was, and then I could make the best decision I can for me.

Denny Hamlin said via motorsport.com.

The major reason behind the drama was the fact that his team failed to keep the JGR veteran informed about the situation, and if Hamlin just finished the race behind Chastain, he could have better results. Lack of communication regarding the big picture from the No:11 crew is serious situation the TRD veteran needs to address ahead of the next weekend.  

I was surprised because no one told me anything and so I just had no idea. Truthfully, I didn’t know if I was racing for 25th or 10th. I had no idea my position… I would have made the best decision for me.

Denny Hamlin added.

The comments from Denny Hamlin shows if he knew Ross Chastain was fighting Logano, and he had nothing to gain by making the move, he would have fine with finishing behind the Trackhouse driver. The advantage Fords, especially Logano and Ryan Blaney has at Phoenix is too much to overlook.

On pace, (Chastain) is faster than (Logano) but obviously it comes down to the Final Four. I mean, (Logano) probably has a leg up there, but again, I’m just trying to advance and I don’t know if I was running for 10th or 25th.

Denny Hamlin asserted.

Ross Chastain sympathizes with Denny Hamlin over the late spin

While talking to the media about the clash with Denny Hamlin after the race, Ross Chastain pointed out that he hates the fact that he spun out Denny Hamlin, in his desperate move to get ahead. He apologized to both Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing over the incident, considering they were innocent bystanders. They even had a conversation after the race, consoling each other.

Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain
Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain (Via IMAGO)

They were innocent bystanders in it. Whether he knew (the point situation) or not, I don’t know, but I would hate to be in that position. Well, the past speaks for itself that I’m aware of my surroundings, and I am sorry to them. Sorry to Denny. Sorry to JGR and his whole team. They were definitely innocent bystanders.

Ross Chastain said.

This happening between two drivers, who were bitter rivals shows how significant the Joey Logano’s promotion into the R-8 is. It would be interesting to see how the lack of communication over Joey Logano is going to hurt Denny Hamlin in the upcoming races as well as potentially in the finale.

Also Read: Ross Chastain’s Playoffs R-12 Elimination Was “Not Acceptable”