Denny Hamlin has advanced into the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs’ Round of 12 for the 10th consecutive season – the driver of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and the most recent winner (at Bristol, Tenn. last weekend) as the series begins this next three-race series to narrow the title contenders to eight.
Although his three wins, 11 top fives (including four runner-up showings) and 14 top 10s through the openings 25 races are impressive, there’s something different about the 19-year veteran in this year’s Playoff run. His take-no-prisoners maneuvers on track may have occasionally earned “boos” from crowds this year, but Hamlin is absolutely feeling increasingly confident and optimistic about finally securing his first NASCAR Cup Series championship trophy.
Five times he’s finished third or better in the title run; his best showing a runner-up to seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson in 2010. He’s finished fourth or better the last four seasons.
This, however, may just be “Hamlin’s year,” according to racing journalists, social media, his competitors. And Hamlin.
“I really do, but I also know sometimes things out of your control can happen,’’ Hamlin said of his title expectations. “You’ve got to understand that. I say that, so you don’t crash too far down when things don’t go your way and you don’t have the outcome you expect. But certainly based on the speed we show week-in and week-out, absolutely I believe we’re one of the best four teams out there that should compete for a championship at Phoenix.
“But you have to play the game. There’s a lot of work that has to be done between now and then and sometimes things are out of your control. But if they do stay in our control, I believe it’s a year that we would be tough to beat.’’
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