WATCH: “I beat all of your favourite drivers,” Denny Hamlin gives an icy cold response to the fans booing him after Bristol triumph
Denny Hamlin advances to Round of 12 after a stunning win at Bristol.
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The Bristol Motor Speedway roared to life as the NASCAR Cup Series hosted a thoroughly entertaining playoffs showdown at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. It was a night of pulsating excitement, and at the center of it all was the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Denny Hamlin, who won his third race of the season with an electrifying performance.
Hamlin is regarded as the best driver to have never won a title. He showcased his mastery of the Bristol Oval, delivering a flawless performance culminating in a resounding triumph. Behind the wheel of his No. 11 JGR Toyota, Hamlin led the final 135 laps of the 500-lap race, securing his third win of the season, his third victory at Bristol, and his remarkable 51st career win.
The race’s climax featured a thrilling showdown between Hamlin and the formidable Kyle Larson. Hamlin seized the lead off pit road on Lap 366, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. In a heart-pounding battle, he held off Larson, crossing the finish line just 2.462 seconds ahead of his rival.
As the cheers and celebrations erupted, Hamlin confidently boasted, “This is our year” for a championship, addressing the passionate Bristol crowd directly. “Hey, I beat your favourite driver,” he teased. When the announcer inquired about the identity of that favorite driver, Hamlin responded audaciously, “All of them.”
Denny Hamlin denied providing his introduction before the race at Bristol
But Hamlin’s jaw-dropping retort was just the beginning of the story. Throughout the season, his interactions with fans and fellow drivers had been marked by unapologetic candor. Even before the race began, during driver introductions, he defiantly refrained from introducing himself, fully aware of the boos that would follow.
The aftermath of Hamlin’s icy response left fans and fellow competitors stunned. Some may view him as a villain, but his fearless attitude and on-track prowess are undeniable. As he celebrated with the 23XI Racing team, led by Bubba Wallace, who secured his spot in the second round with a 14th-place finish, Hamlin left no doubt about his championship aspirations.
Two notable casualties emerged from Bristol’s playoff showdown: Kevin Harvick, a former champion, fell to 29th place due to car troubles, dashing his title hopes, while defending champion Joey Logano suffered a shocking elimination in a multi-car wreck on the backstretch. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell, Chris Buescher, and Chase Elliott secured the berth in the Round of 12 spots.
As the dust settles at Bristol, the NASCAR Cup Series prepares for the next chapter in its thrilling journey. The Round of 12 is set to commence at Texas Motor Speedway, where drivers will vie for supremacy in the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on September 24th.
In case you missed it:
- Danica Patrick says F1 should’ve swiftly punished Helmut Marko over xenophobic remarks, just like NASCAR penalized champion Kyle Larson
- Kevin Harvick admits he deserved the early playoff exit, brands the day as ‘the worst one I’ve had with fenders on it’
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)