“We just struggled to pass all day,” Denny Hamlin laments Martinsville Cup race loss as pit-stop gamble backfires

Denny Hamlin seems really disappointed by their pit-stop gamble not working as they had a fast Toyota.

“We just struggled to pass all day,” Denny Hamlin laments Martinsville Cup race loss as pit-stop gamble backfires

Denny Hamlin (Credits: Imago)

The Hendrick Motorsports stable dominated the weekend at Martinsville as they secured all the podium places in the race. William Byron claimed his third win of the season ahead of his HM teammates Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. However, on the other hand, Denny Hamlin‘s race tumbled downwards due to a late pit stop which took away a promised top-five finish or a win from the JGR driver.

Denny Hamlin had qualified for P8 and made up one position in Stage One. Subsequently, the 43-year-old used his decades-long experience to climb through the field and top Stage Two. But the decision to pit early on the final stage proved in-effective as it proved really hard for him to get back spots. Everyone pitting for fresh rubber ahead of overtime proved to be the nail in coffin.

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The No:11 Toyota Camry driver reckoned that despite pitting for a set of new boots, they were just not fast enough. Moreover, the tires did not matter in the end as the tire degradation was not high, and the leaders were able to retain their lead. This made Hamlin feel betrayed because if he had stayed out, he would have at least secured a top-five.

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Tires didn’t wear, and we just struggled to pass all day. So once I came out that cycle [in] thrid or fourth, its just kind of where I stayed.

Denny Hamlin said.

Denny Hamlin gives his verdict William Byron’s immense pace

The race in Virginia was an eventful one. However, one driver conquered all, and that was the young gun of William Byron. On the contrary, despite leading a race for a fair chunk, Hamlin plummeted down the field while Byron was making moves across the field, at a circuit where overtaking was quite difficult.

Denny Hamlin and William Byron
Denny Hamlin and William Byron

The 43-year-old claimed that HM has a superior car to JGR, and they have a highly talented driver in the form of the 26-year-old who can make moves on a narrow track. Moreover, this ability earned the youngster praise from the veteran, who was astounded by his racing skill.

I didn't get to see, but you know the car's really good [HMS Chevy], really superior, and you have got a driver like he[William Byron] is, you are going to be able to navigate a little bit... and it certainly looked like those guys hit the light switch in the end.
Denny Hamlin said.

Following a disappointing finish outside the top-10 at Martinsville, Hamlin would like to get his championship bid back on track. Thus, the veteran would be having his eyes set on conquering Texas next week and making a charge towards the top of the table.

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