Denny Hamlin Had a “Rinse and Repeat” at Kansas Dictated by Goodyear’s Questionable Performance 

As the engines roared at Kansas Speedway, Denny Hamlin was on the brink of victory in the Hollywood Casino 400. He led 63 laps and had the checkered flag practically within his grasp. But fate had other plans. A late caution, triggered by Chris Buescher, brought Hamlin’s dreams to a screeching halt. He seemed dejected, but the drama was just getting started.

Last Sunday, the racing gods threw a curveball as Tyler Reddick snatched victory from the jaws of 23XI Racing boss Denny Hamlin. A late-race maneuver secured Reddick the checkered flag, leaving Hamlin to ponder his questionable decision-making. And now NASCAR experts are here for the inside dirt.

Victory Slips Through Denny Hamlin’s Fingers

With a fresh set of four tires, Denny Hamlin was poised for redemption. He was the first off-pit road with those prized rubbers. But here’s where it gets intriguing. When the restart lights flashed, Hamlin’s decision-making went into a tailspin. Starting sixth, he focused more on his rear-view mirror than the road ahead, a mistake that would haunt him.

In the new segment of NBC’s coverage of the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, Steve Letarte and Todd Gordon discussed the race’s strategy, focusing on Hamlin’s performance and the impact of tire issues on the race.

“Yeah, tire issues, the name of the game. We saw this last year at Kansas. It’s a place that I won’t call it a Goodyear issue. Kansas rewards you for less air and more camber, getting the diffuser lower, a smoother racetrack.” Todd stated. 

Steve added, “Well, we did see some flat tires. We also saw Rinse and Repeat, Denny Hamlin, a great car at Darlington. Didn’t work out. Great car in Kansas didn’t work out. And it didn’t work out. Late caution. Buescher blows a tire. Kind of sets the field. That’s why I really want to jump right in. I think this is where the winner was determined through the pit stop, the cycle, and the restart.”

Let’s switch gears to the side story that had everyone talking. It wasn’t just Hamlin’s near-miss that made waves at Kansas Speedway. No, another player in the drama was Goodyear, NASCAR’s tire partner.

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

Now, here’s where things take a surprising twist. Denny Hamlin was not the only JGR driver sacrificed in the Goodyear Tires partnership.   

Goodyear is to blame for the racing woes of Denny Hamlin and his teammate

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While Denny Hamlin may have lost the race due to questionable decisions, the blame game took a sharp turn toward Goodyear, NASCAR’s long-time tire partner. Critics erupted after Martin Truex Jr’s right rear tire gave way within minutes of the race start. Truex had to retire, and suddenly, Goodyear was in the crosshairs of controversy.

Martin Truex Jr, the former Cup Series champion, finds himself in a tight spot in the Cup standings after the Kansas race debacle. But what’s causing the real commotion is Truex’s finger-pointing at Goodyear. The tire manufacturer had nowhere to hide, especially after Kyle Busch’s practice crash added fuel to the fire.

READ MORE: Denny Hamlin’s Inability to Seize “Opportunities” Could Be His Downfall as HMS Frenemy Finds His Groove

In the unpredictable world of NASCAR, where tires can make or break a race and where every decision on the track can change a driver’s fate, the stage is set for Bristol Motor Speedway. Will Denny Hamlin redeem himself? Can Martin Truex Jr. overcome his reservations and shine at Bristol? And what about Goodyear? Will they silence the critics and provide the traction needed for an unforgettable race?