Denny Hamlin Likely A Bystander For Phoenix Finale
1 year agoNow that Denny Hamlin has been eliminated from Championship contention once again, it will be interesting to see how him and his No. 11 team approach Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix. We often see non-Championship drivers take a step back and let the final four contenders battle it out, and that could be what happens with Hamlin this weekend. The No. 11 Toyota was strong here at Phoenix in the spring (sixth-fastest in Green Flag Speed) and Hamlin qualified in sixth for this weekend's race as well. He has finish in 8th or better in six of the last nine Phoenix races and it is likely that that will extend to seven of the last ten after this weekend's finale is all said and done. Although Hamlin is a strong contender for a top-10 finish on Sunday, he's a fringe top-five contender and will likely need a bit of help to be a true race-winning factor.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com