Denny Hamlin Exposes Fine Margins Which Hindered NASCAR’s ‘Wrecking Ball’s’ Championship Aspirations

In the frenzied world of NASCAR, every tenth of a second counts. Just ask Ross Chastain, whose race at Talladega Superspeedway turned into a nightmare after a chain reaction on the track. It was like watching a high-speed game of dominos, with one car’s hiccup setting off a chain reaction that would impact the championship dreams of several contenders. And Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin is here with his insights.

In a recent episode of the podcast ‘Actions Detrimental,’ NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin opened up about the fine margins that hindered his championship aspirations. During the conversation with co-host Jared Allen, he discussed a particular incident involving a driver running out of gas, which had implications for other races.

Ross Chastain’s spin and its consequences for the playoff contender

Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet met its match on the racetrack’s treacherous Turn 3, thanks to a game of dominoes sparked by an empty gas tank. Ricky Stenhouse Jr, leading the way in the outside lane, found himself running on fumes, as he unexpectedly slowed down. Kyle Busch, hot on his tail, swerved to dodge a potential wreck but inadvertently clipped Chastain. The result? Chastain’s Chevy spun into the SAFER barrier, taking a significant hit and rendering it race-over.

Keeping in mind how Chastain, till very recently, was nicknamed ‘Wrecking Ball’ of NASCAR, it seems odd that the tables turned and someone else ended up ruining his race, and further his championship changes.

Explaining the incident, Denny Hamlin stated in his podcast, “So you you wonder well how the hell the 47 right out of gas? They short filled him to get him track position likely on the pit stop before and didn’t get enough gas in it. We know because I believe it was the spring Talladega, we had we pitted with on the white flag lap or two to go because we ran out of gas.” 

“We short-filled as well. So that’s kind of the battle that every crew chief … they’re only putting in what gas they think they need to make it to the end and not a drop more.” Denny Hamlin further stated. 

Yet, the Talladega chaos wasn’t just a one-man show. Chastain’s spin took Christopher Bell into its whirlwind, sabotaging another playoff contender. And while Bell, Busch, and Stenhouse lived to race another day, the scoreboard has shifted. Chastain now trails behind Reddick and Bubba Wallace, setting the scene for some heated tarmac action at Charlotte.

WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin Blames Tony Stewart for Letting Down Slowest Kevin Harvick

But what did the ‘Watermelon Man’ have to say about this race? 

After Denny Hamlin’s take by, Chastain gives his explanation for the tumble

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Chastain, once riding high with +12pts, now finds himself trailing, caught in the web of this tumultuous race. With Brad Keselowski holding the final spot and the 23XI Racing drivers not far behind, the pressure is building. 

“I went for the gap. Obviously, I wish I would have lifted now, but (I’ll) study that and be better next time.” Chastain told NBC Sports. With his playoff dreams hanging by a thread, he remains optimistic, saying, “Whatever we bring next week, we’ll put our best foot forward.” The Trackhouse Racing star, who was once 12 points above the elimination line, is now dangling ten points behind Keselowski’s safe spot.

READ MORE: Bubba Wallace Disappoints Denny Hamlin as Spotter Reveals the Reason for “Downfall” at Talladega, Leading to Round of 8 Spot Risk

So, gear up, NASCAR fans! As the engines roar and tires screech at the Charlotte Roval, the question in everyone’s mind will be: Will Chastain rise from the ashes? While that is not certain, one thing is, Roval is going to be a race for the ages!