Denny Hamlin, already confirmed for the Championship 4, offered his perspective on William Byron’s pivotal victory at Martinsville, which set the stage for a fierce Denny Hamlin Championship Reaction. The dramatic race saw Byron edge out Ryan Blaney for a ticket to the title decider in Phoenix, intensifying the competition as Hendrick Motorsports now has two contenders vying for the Cup Series crown.
Hamlin Praises Byron’s Dominance at Martinsville
As the race unfolded, Hamlin watched with anticipation as Byron and Blaney dueled for the coveted championship spot. Hamlin was quick to recognize Byron’s determination and composure, stating on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast,
Impressive. It’s all you can say about that drive,
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver. He admitted to doubting whether Byron could overtake Blaney after a late strategy shift among leading drivers.
Hamlin recounted how he, along with the Penske cars, made a move for the stage win and maximum points, thinking it would be tough for Byron to break through. Despite these odds, Byron showcased patience during the final run, capitalizing on lap traffic and sealing a dominant performance by sitting on the pole, leading the most laps, and delivering a near-perfect weekend for Hendrick Motorsports.
Reflecting on Byron’s maturity behind the wheel, Hamlin said,
… I thought William showed a ton of poise through the race. Even when he was leading, he was just patient. I thought it was one of William’s strongest performances as a driver. So yeah, they absolutely earned the spot. Took the spot. He’s going to race for a championship next week.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver. Byron’s effort not only locked up a place in the Championship 4 but also positioned Hendrick Motorsports as a formidable force heading to Phoenix.
Strategy and Grit Define Byron’s Winning Move
Hamlin also addressed the critical move Byron made using the bumper against Blaney, suggesting that such aggressive tactics are part of the game in the current championship format and that Blaney himself would have done the same. He explained that tightly packed conditions made it impossible to wait too long behind a competitor, as car performance would suffer.
Hamlin further elaborated on the high-stakes moment, quoting Blaney’s own perspective,
Blaney said it in his interview, ‘Yeah, I would have made that same move,’
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver. This highlights the mutual respect and understanding among top drivers when the championship is on the line.
Describing the intensity, Hamlin recounted,
So, they were three-wide there. He heard Blaney say he tried to cover the space as much as he could, and tried to crowd him. Obviously, the No. 24 was there. It was a heck of a battle.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver. The energy in the closing laps underscored just how determined Byron was to secure his place in the season finale.
Hendrick Motorsports Proves Its Speed in Late-Race Drama
Hamlin analyzed the race’s closing stages, especially following a late restart triggered by Carson Hocevar’s caution. Despite a chance for Blaney to mount a comeback, the speed of the No. 24 Chevrolet proved decisive. Hamlin observed,
I thought that the 12 would get back to him at some point. But it just showed that the No. 24 was better. At that time, he had the best car and he got around him,
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver. The impact of Hendrick’s setup and Byron’s execution became clear as the race reached its climax.
Even with Blaney mounting a final challenge during the restart, Byron’s composure and car speed proved too much to overcome. Hamlin continued with his breakdown,
So, I don’t think it was a fair fight as far as that’s concerned. Blaney made a charge on him in the last few laps, but William at that point was just trying to hit the bottom and not make any mistakes. I thought it was going to be a tough task. Unless the No. 12 got the actual jump on the restart and then held him down tightly, there was just no way. The speed of the Hendrick cars in the short run was just far superior.
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver. With such performance on display, Byron left little opportunity for his rivals to gain ground in the final moments.
What Comes Next in the Championship Battle
Byron’s win has not only secured his own spot in the Championship 4 but also ensured that Hendrick Motorsports fields two strong contenders aiming for the coveted Cup Series trophy this season. Hamlin sees Byron’s victory as a clear sign his team is hitting its stride at the perfect time, making them a significant threat as the series heads to Phoenix, also known as the desert showdown.
With veterans like Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron in the mix, fans are set for an electrifying battle as NASCAR’s best prepare for the Cup Series’ dramatic finish. All eyes will be on Phoenix, where the championship will be decided and where the raw passion and intensity of drivers like Denny Hamlin and William Byron will be on full display.
