The aftermath of Sunday’s race has left fans and insiders questioning how the Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship decision was made, with confusion surrounding pit strategies and what the team knew in the moment. The pivotal question is whether Hamlin’s No. 11 crew received enough information about Kyle Larson’s tire change to potentially alter their approach during the decisive final pit stop.
Uncertainty Over Real-Time Decisions on Pit Road
Discussion has persisted this week about whether Denny Hamlin and his team could have anticipated Kyle Larson’s decision on pit strategy during the championship race. In NASCAR, spotters play a critical role in communicating moves by competitors, both on the track and in the pit lane, supplying vital information that can inform split-second decisions. The spotlight fell on Chris Lambert, Hamlin’s longtime spotter, as fans pressed for clarity on what was visible and what could be relayed to Hamlin’s pit crew in the closing laps.
A fan initiated the debate on social media, asking,
“Chris could u see how many tires the 5 was taking from your spotter position?”
and followed with a question about whether Lambert had time to alert Hamlin’s crew so they could react. Chris Lambert responded directly and candidly:
“No, could not see the 5 stall from the stand. All I was able to say on channel 2 was ‘lots of twos.’”
— Chris Lambert, Spotter for Denny Hamlin
This acknowledgement underscored the challenge spotters face with limited visibility and split-second communication, especially during high-stakes moments in the championship.
Atmosphere of Shock and Disappointment at the Track
The mood following the finale was unlike a typical celebration. Many in the NASCAR world, including fans, teams, and insiders, described a sense of shock that lingered over the championship event. The atmosphere at the track was somber rather than celebratory, with an overwhelming sense of loss clouding the usual excitement. Instead of the customary congratulatory exchanges, apologies seemed to echo among the crowd and teams. Denny Hamlin’s defeat, after a series of strong efforts throughout the season, was particularly devastating for his supporters and the entire No. 11 team, who were left processing one of motorsport’s more heartbreaking outcomes.
Attention is now turning to how Hamlin and his team regroup for the 2026 season, with fans and observers eager to see how they respond after coming so close to a championship under controversial circumstances.
Challenges in Spotting and Pit Communication During the Championship
The exchange between Chris Lambert and the fan highlights the unpredictable, pressure-filled environment of NASCAR’s finale. Spotters like Lambert are tasked with tracking multiple opponents and pit strategies in real-time, but even with the best vantage points, there are limitations.
While Lambert was able to relay that several teams were taking two tires, the specifics of Kyle Larson’s decision could not be clearly seen from the spotter’s stand. This limitation played a direct role in the unfolding of the race, as Hamlin’s team could not make an informed, timely adjustment. The moment showcased the razor-thin margins and the complexity of decision-making at the highest level of NASCAR competition.
Contrasts and Controversy in the Championship Format
The conclusion to the NASCAR season left many grappling with mixed emotions. Denny Hamlin, though not dominating the year, had delivered a memorable run through the playoffs, overcoming setbacks and delivering clutch performances when it mattered most. The championship, decided by NASCAR’s one-race, Game 7-style showdown, promised drama and unpredictability but instead brought frustration for some observers.
The controversial overtime rule played a part in the finale’s drama. Observers noted that had Kyle Larson clinched the win in the closing kilometers, fans likely would have chalked Hamlin’s loss up to misfortune and recognized Larson’s efforts. Yet the one-race championship, designed to reward peak performance, ended with Hamlin walking away empty-handed despite having what many considered a true Game 7 moment. The decision and the way the race unfolded continue to spark debate across the NASCAR community.
As the dust settles, this championship serves as a vivid example of the fine line between glory and heartbreak in racing, with focus now on how teams and the NASCAR world at large will respond to the events and lessons of this intense season.
No, could not see the 5 stall from the stand. All I was able to say on channel 2 was “lots of twos.”
— Chris Lambert (@3widemiddle) November 6, 2025
