Denny Hamlin criticized Hendrick Motorsports for their poor performance at flat tracks, especially after their lackluster finish at Darlington. He highlighted that all four Hendrick drivers struggled, finishing between 17th and 31st. In contrast, Hamlin demonstrated confidence in Team Penske, which has a strong history at Gateway, led by Joey Logano’s past victory. With rising intensity in the playoffs, the dynamics among the teams are shifting. The latest updates on Chase Briscoe‘s competitive edge reveal even more about the unfolding season.
Key Takeaways
- Denny Hamlin criticized Hendrick Motorsports, citing their poor performance at flat tracks like Darlington and their collective worst finish this season.
- Hamlin pointed out that Hendrick’s drivers finished between 17th and 31st, raising doubts about their competitiveness.
- In contrast, Team Penske showed resilience, with Austin Cindric finishing 12th at Darlington, signaling potential for a strong showing at Gateway.
- Hamlin expressed confidence in teammate Chase Briscoe, highlighting his impressive playoff performance and potential as a championship contender.
- Penske’s past success at Gateway, including Joey Logano’s inaugural win, adds to their confidence and momentum heading into the race.
Darlington Drama and Playoff Picture
Tension mounted at Darlington as the playoff picture began to take shape following the Southern 500. The track, notorious for its challenges, further solidified Chase Briscoe’s dominance, securing his ticket to the next round with a commanding sweep.
As Briscoe ascended to the top, established contenders like Joey Logano and Alex Bowman found themselves unstable below the cut line, heightening the stakes. The atmosphere buzzed with urgency as drivers like Austin Dillon and Josh Berry grappled with the looming threat of elimination.
With only one race completed in the Round of 16, the competition felt like a high-stakes game of musical chairs, where every position counts. The strain is tangible, and the drama is just beginning to unfold.
Hamlin’s Take on Hendrick Motorsports
As the playoff picture intensifies, Denny Hamlin has shared his frank thoughts on Hendrick Motorsports’ performance.
During a recent episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, he expressed skepticism about the team’s capability at flat tracks, highlighting a need for improved speed.
Hamlin noted that while Hendrick is not complacent, their recent showing at Darlington—where all four drivers struggled—raises concerns.
Hamlin pointed out that Hendrick’s disappointing performance at Darlington raises significant concerns about their competitiveness.
Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman collectively delivered their worst performance in the unified four-car format, with finishing positions ranging from 17th to 31st.
With no victories at Gateway in the Cup era, Hamlin emphasized the uphill battle Hendrick faces to regain momentum as the playoffs loom.
Their upcoming performance will be closely scrutinized.
Penske’s Quiet Strength
While other teams grapple with performance issues, Team Penske has quietly showcased resilience and potential during the playoffs.
At Darlington, Austin Cindric led the team with a 12th-place finish, while Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano followed closely behind in 18th and 20th, respectively. Although these results may not turn heads, the underlying performance suggests a foundation for future success.
Cindric’s No. 2 car exhibited stability on long runs, Blaney’s No. 12 found balance as the race progressed, and Logano’s crew hinted at a competitive package.
This debriefing radiated a sense of confidence rather than crisis, indicating that Penske’s drivers are ready for a tactical resurgence, especially as they approach tracks where their strengths can be fully utilized.
Gateway Confidence and Momentum
Confidence surged as the NASCAR circuit approached Gateway, a track where momentum and history favor Team Penske.
Joey Logano’s victory in the inaugural Cup Series race at Gateway in 2022 serves as a noteworthy confidence enhancer for the team. His dramatic win over Kyle Busch in overtime highlighted Penske’s tactical skill and aggressive racing style, reinforcing their competitive edge.
Furthermore, Ryan Blaney enters the weekend with heightened momentum following an exhilarating photo-finish victory at Daytona, where he prevailed in a four-wide dash.
This convergence of past success and recent performance solidifies Team Penske’s position as an impressive contender at Gateway, setting the stage for an intense battle that could further define their season.
Hamlin on Briscoe and JGR
With the excitement from Gateway still fresh, Denny Hamlin turned his attention to his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, who has emerged as a powerful contender in the playoffs.
Following Briscoe’s impressive win at Darlington, Hamlin expressed steadfast confidence in his teammate’s championship potential.
Briscoe, now in his debut season with JGR as the No. 19 driver, boasts two wins and 11 top-five finishes, securing his place in the Round of 12.
Hamlin highlighted that Briscoe’s performance has raised the team from underdog status to a legitimate threat for the Championship 4.
As the NASCAR circuit heads to Gateway, Briscoe’s dominance at Darlington emphasizes his capability, drawing keen attention to JGR’s promising path.
News In Brief: Denny Hamlin Takes Shots at Hendrick Backs Penske for Gateway
In the aftermath of an exhilarating race at Darlington, Denny Hamlin’s frank critiques of Hendrick Motorsports highlighted the ongoing tensions within the NASCAR community. His endorsement of Team Penske’s resilience suggests a tactical shift in the competitive landscape. As the series approaches Gateway, Hamlin’s confidence and momentum could play a crucial role in shaping the playoff picture. Furthermore, his insights on teammate Chase Briscoe and Joe Gibbs Racing emphasize the complexities of team dynamics in the high-stakes environment of NASCAR.
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