Denny Hamlin has spoken candidly about the Denny Hamlin NASCAR Roval incident that unfolded during the closing moments of the NASCAR Cup Round of 12 finale at Charlotte on Sunday. The pivotal error, which took place as Hamlin battled on the final lap, left him both embarrassed and unexpectedly fortunate as the playoff field tightened for the next stage.
Final Lap Miscommunication Exposes Critical Error
On the last lap of the race, Hamlin failed to notice Ross Chastain rapidly approaching from behind—a moment his spotter did not alert him to. As a result, Hamlin found himself caught off guard when the two drivers made contact battling for position. After the race, Hamlin expressed his frustration to crew chief Chris Gayle, emphasizing how he would have approached the situation differently if he had been aware of Chastain’s presence.
“I would not have passed him [Chastain, if he knew he was there].”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Despite finishing 23rd—two positions behind Chastain—Hamlin managed to advance in the playoffs due to the playoff points and wins he had accumulated over the season. His close call on the Roval could have put his championship hopes in jeopardy, underscoring both the pressure and unpredictability of playoff racing.
Race Outcome and Playoff Implications
While Hamlin narrowly moved on to the next round, his Trackhouse Racing competitors had contrasting results. Shane van Gisbergen, Chastain’s teammate, captured his fifth road course win in just six career starts this season. Meanwhile, Chastain’s 21st place result was not enough to keep his championship quest alive, as he fell short of advancing to the Round of Eight. That next stage of the playoffs will begin in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Hamlin Shares His Perspective on the Incident
Reflecting on the event with USA Network, Hamlin described the confusion during the tense closing laps, revealing he was unsure of both his own position and Chastain’s whereabouts. He admitted to missing his marks and lacking crucial information from his spotter during the incident.
“No, I did not (know Chastain was so close),”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin elaborated on the chaotic nature of the final run, stating he wasn’t sure what position he was fighting for and regretted not having the information to make a strategic move. His comments hinted at the pressure and intensity of trying to squeeze out every possible spot under playoff scrutiny.
“I don’t fault Ross at all. I just wish I knew so I could have been either prepared or made a different decision.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Looking Ahead to the Las Vegas Round
Despite the tense outcome, Hamlin’s accumulated successes earlier in the season allowed him to progress, leaving him with a vital opportunity to chase his first NASCAR Cup Series title. As the Round of Eight prepares to kick off in Las Vegas, attention will turn to how Hamlin and his team address communication gaps to avoid similar issues under even greater pressure.
The incident not only revealed the razor-thin margins of playoff survival in the NASCAR Cup Series, but also highlighted how communication missteps can alter the course of a driver’s season, leaving both Hamlin and his fans anticipating a more controlled effort in the rounds ahead.
