Denny Hamlin Recovers From Three Botched Pit Stops To Finish Eighth At Kansas
5 days agoAlthough Denny Hamlin finished eighth at Kansas, the same position where he started, that box score does not properly convey the topsy-turvy ride he took to attain that result. Hamlin seemed to have the fastest car at times and ranked fourth overall in speed, but was repeatedly let down by his pit crew with three botched pit stops, most notably a loose wheel at the end of Stage 2 that prevented him from getting any stage points. He had to drive through the field repeatedly as a result and his pass differential of 49 was second best to Chase Elliott's 52. Nonetheless, Hamlin still sits fifth in points 11 points above the playoff cutline. If he doesn't crash at either Talladega or the Charlotte roval and he doesn't repeat his subpar Daytona strategy at Talladega, he'll probably advance to the Round of 8.
Source: Racing Reference
Source: Racing Reference