Denny Hamlin overlooks teammate Christopher Bell, picks Kyle Larson to win 2023 Cup title

Denny Hamlin sees Ryan Blaney as Kyle Larson’s strongest rival.

Denny Hamlin overlooks teammate Christopher Bell, picks Kyle Larson to win 2023 Cup title

Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

The Phoenix Raceway will host the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Championship-4 race this Sunday. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell, Team Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney, and Hendrick Motorsports duo Kyle Larson and Willaim Byron will fight each other to win the most significant race of the season and probably their career.

Kyle Larson is the only former champion in the top 4 and knows better than anyone what to do to win the race. While discussing the favorites to win the Cup titles on Sunday, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has picked Larson to win the title. Hamlin sees his teammate Bell losing the fight for the title just like he did last season.

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For Hamlin, the two drivers that will go head-to-head at Phoenix are Blaney and Larson, both of whom are blessed with raw speed. However, the 23XI Racing co-owner believes that though choosing Larson as the winner is risky, the experience factor and pit-crew advantage are compelling arguments in favor of the No:5 Chevy driver. But he admitted that he is rooting for his teammate.

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It’s high-risk, high-reward with him, but I just think he has a chance to; if he races as free as he normally does or qualifies and practices as free as he normally does, he could stamp himself as by far the fastest… I’m going to go with Kyle Larson because I think he has the pit crew advantage over the No. 12 as well… So, to me, I don’t see how you don’t pick him.
Denny Hamlin said Via Action Detrimental.

Denny Hamlin explains why Ryan Blaney is another favorite to win the title on Sunday

Hamlin earlier highlighted why Ryan Blaney has the opportunity to bag his maiden Cup title this week at Phoenix and emulate Joey Logano’s impressive victory last year. Blaney has been among the most consistent drivers in the Next-Gen car, and Phoenix has been among his best tracks.

Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney
Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney (Via IMAGO)

Hamlin, before picking Larson as his favorite to win the title, highlighted the recent history and impressive momentum of Blaney. He pointed out that this recent brilliance from the No:12 team gives them a shot at keeping the Cup titles in the Penske Racing garage.

I do, I do. I think that he’s been really good at that track. Not just historically, I think that he’s been good at that track in the Next Gen era…This looks eerily similar to Joey Logano from last year. … How can you not consider him a favorite? He’s the hot hand. He’s fast right now…They’ve clicked on something, or they’ve found something that’s greatly increased their speed.

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