Denny Hamlin’s Charlotte reaction has sparked debate over Daniel Suárez’s late-race decision that influenced the outcome of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 finale at the Charlotte ROVAL on Sunday. Suárez’s choice not to pass Joey Logano during a crucial stage has raised suspicions about his motives, especially as this move impacted which driver advanced to the next round.
Hamlin Reflects on Suárez’s Trackhouse Actions and Their Implications
Daniel Suárez, racing for Trackhouse Racing, found himself with a strategic opportunity toward the end of Stage 2 at Charlotte. With his teammate Ross Chastain locked in a battle with Joey Logano for the final transfer spot into the Round of 8, every point was vital. However, Suárez did not manage to overtake Logano, a decision that ultimately proved critical—Logano and Chastain ended up tied in points, but Logano advanced on a tiebreaker.
Adding another layer of complexity, Suárez’s tenure at Trackhouse Racing is nearing its end, as Connor Zilisch is set to take his seat in 2026. With only a handful of races left together, his actions—or lack thereof—are now under the microscope and are affecting perceptions within the team and among competitors.
Speculation arose about whether Suárez intentionally refrained from helping his teammate secure a spot in the playoffs. Denny Hamlin addressed these suspicions, weighing the possible rationale behind Suárez’s choice.
“Now, for the record, we come out, if we flip stages on a road course, do not be surprised if our lap times are significantly slower than what they were when we just pitted because we know we’re gonna stay out and the team will harp on us, ‘Do not push these tires the first two laps. Take it easy because we’re about to stay out,’”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin raised the issue of whether Suárez’s decision was tactical or emotional, noting the internal tensions at Trackhouse Racing given Suárez’s pending departure. The dramatic undertone of the situation was heightened when Hamlin mused on whether Suárez abstained from passing Logano
“by choice because he’s chapped at the organization for letting him go, or was he just being smart,”
considering tire conservation and the relative value of that race position.
“Now, did he not pass Logano by choice because he’s chapped at the organization for letting him go, or was he just being smart saying, ‘I’m not gonna burn my sh*t up here.’ In one lap, Joey’s about to pit, that spot is irrelevant so why would I burn my tires up for the next stage? That’s the counter. It’s not like people just pass at will.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Suárez’s Race Management and Trackhouse’s Disappointment
About half a lap before the end of Stage 2, Suárez reported to his team that he was struggling with locked front tires, as noted by Steven Taranto of CBS Sports. This mechanical issue may have affected his willingness—or even ability—to attempt a decisive overtake on Logano.
Despite this context, the Trackhouse Racing organization is left wondering how different the outcome could have been for Chastain if Suárez had managed to make the pass. Hamlin pointed out that for Suárez, the significance of that specific position was debatable, particularly as Suárez himself was not in playoff contention and only has a limited number of races left with his current team.
“I’m sure his Trackhouse team would have loved for him to go get that spot and take it from Joey, but it appears — I don’t know if it was related or not,”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin speculated that Suárez’s primary motivation was to secure the best finish for himself given his circumstances, suggesting a focus on personal results over strategic advantage for the team. He also acknowledged the long streak of luck that appeared to work in Logano’s favor throughout the event.
“That’s probably wrong of me to say that’s what he’s thinking in his head, but he’s just trying to get the best finish he can. It is part of the long list of good fortune things the 22 [Logano] had happen.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Suárez ultimately finished seventh at the ROVAL and is set to complete just four more races for Trackhouse before Connor Zilisch takes over.
Lingering Questions About Team Dynamics in the Playoffs
The situation at Charlotte highlights the complicated relationships and motivations at play during NASCAR’s playoffs. For Denny Hamlin and others, questions will persist about whether Fernando Suárez’s decisions were driven by frustration following his dismissal or simply a calculation based on the situation at hand. As the postseason progresses and Trackhouse Racing prepares for roster changes, the ripple effects of these pivotal moments will likely continue to influence racing strategies and team interactions.
Was watching Daniel Suarez's onboard and it seemed like he was trying to pass Joey Logano (vs. what the broadcast was saying). Suarez said with about half a lap left in the stage that he was locking up his fronts.
Logano will end up P8 in the stage and with some stage points. pic.twitter.com/vJVuVfahKH
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 5, 2025
