Denny Hamlin has faced ongoing mechanical setbacks throughout his strong NASCAR Cup Series season, casting doubt on his preparations as he gets ready to compete for his first championship at Phoenix Raceway next month. The recurring Denny Hamlin mechanical issues, affecting critical components of his No. 11 car, are a concern for Hamlin and his team as they look to convert a solid season into a championship victory.
Mechanical Problems Undercut Hamlin’s Strong Season
Despite leading the NASCAR Cup Series with six race wins this season, Hamlin’s journey to Phoenix has not been without obstacles. Mechanical issues have frequently challenged him and his crew, such as a power steering problem at Kansas Speedway last month and a throttle malfunction at Talladega Superspeedway just this past weekend. Each incident, although minor at first glance, has heightened stakes at this late stage in the season, where every detail can make or break championship aspirations.
After the Talladega race, where Hamlin finished in 24th place, his frustration with these recurring setbacks was apparent, yet he maintained a balanced view regarding his team’s efforts and performance.
“My tone yesterday wasn’t like angry or anything like that, it was just a matter of fact, like we gotta get it figured out,”
Denny Hamlin said on Monday’s Actions Detrimental podcast.
“It’s really, really frustrating because we want our results dictated by our performance on the racetrack.”
The mechanical troubles this year have not been isolated; Hamlin has dealt with battery, starter, and clutch issues at various times.
“Nothing would absolutely suck worse than to go to Phoenix and have a mechanical or something happen that took your opportunity to achieve your dream out. And so, we’ve had some issues with batteries and starters and clutches and just lots this year. I had all three,”
Hamlin explained. These issues, piling up as the season wears on, have become a persistent concern just as the most important race approaches.
Focus Shifts to Phoenix Despite Recent Setbacks
While Hamlin’s immediate preparation for the Talladega race was minimal, his energy and focus were clearly directed toward Phoenix, underscoring the importance of being ready for the championship-deciding event.
“I took the week off as far as preparation for Talladega is concerned, not that I prepare for Talladega as much as I’ll prepare for another racetrack. Most of my time, obviously, was spent on a few weeks from now [at Phoenix],”
he shared. The idea of a missed opportunity at Phoenix weighs heavily on Hamlin as he contemplates what might happen if mechanical problems strike at the worst possible time.
“But I was thinking, well what if? What if we didn’t win? This could be a pivotal moment in our championship hopes? That’s where my frustration lies, and I don’t think that anyone at the shop, when you look at the issues we had, I don’t think it’s anyone necessarily at the race shop that is doing something wrong.”
Throughout the season, Hamlin has expressed gratitude toward his crew, reiterating that the team’s effort is not to blame for the mechanical issues.
“Especially the guys who put my car together, are just phenomenal. I would go to war with that A team versus anyone. It’s just more of a mechanical issue, and it’s not necessarily things we put together that would love to see us fix. I don’t know if we’re going to fix it in a couple of weeks, but you just hope it doesn’t play a factor when it really, really counts at the end of these races, especially the final race.”
Hoping for Resolution Before the Championship
As the Phoenix event draws near, Hamlin is caught between addressing the problems and relying on circumstance—a mix of preparation and hope. He acknowledges that at this stage, his control over the situation is limited.
“I can’t change it, regardless of if it happens or doesn’t. You just cross your fingers and hope that the luck gods will stay in your favor for the final week,”
Hamlin remarked. He also added,
“… Sometimes it is a good reminder of you just can’t take things for granted, you know what I mean? And nobody is trying anything out of the ordinary or again, I said the shop, but that’s a very vague term. I don’t believe these issues are in the race shop. I’ll leave it at that.”
With just weeks remaining until the final showdown at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin’s determination remains strong while uncertainty looms. He knows that mechanical reliability will be just as crucial as driver skill and strategy. The stage is set for an emotionally charged finale, where Denny Hamlin must overcome both his competitors and the persistent mechanical demons that have followed him throughout this remarkable NASCAR Cup Series season.
