USA Today via Reuters
Apr 24, 2022; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 24, 2022; Talladega, Alabama, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
For the NASCAR Cup race at the Talladega Superspeedway, there was a new face in the Denny Hamlin camp. As it turned out, owner Joe Gibbs’ grandson joined his pit crew for the race weekend. According to reports, Jackson Gibbs was taking on the role of front changer.
Today @dennyhamlin has a fill in front changer. Coach Gibbs grandson/JD Gibbs son, Jackson, will fill in for his first ever race. He’s a former quarterback who is a development athlete w JGR. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/7RaoZ81EYg
— Jamie Little (@JamieLittleTV) April 24, 2022
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It is also worth mentioning that he is a former American Football quarterback. Additionally, he is also a development athlete who is part of the Joe Gibbs Racing programme. This particular programme trains NFL players to be quick enough to be part of an official NASCAR pit crew member.
Admittedly, whether this is a permanent move or just a temporary appointment, is anyone’s guess. However, it will be a valuable experience for the youngster as he pursues a career in the NASCAR arena. For now, he will work alongside Hamlin, but whether he will stick with him in the long run, or be rotated, is a different story.
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How has Denny Hamlin performed so far in 2022?
Talladega was a day to forget for Hamlin. He could only muster 18th place, well behind teammates, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. While all that was happening, Ross Chastain won the race ahead of Austin Dillon and Busch.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 3, 2022; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) races NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (6) during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
While the result was disappointing, he can at least take comfort in the fact that he already has a win this season. In other words, he has booked his seat in the 2022 Playoffs and can fight for the title. However, the #11 driver will be keen to add a few more wins under his belt.
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Meanwhile, Chastain joins William Byron in the ‘more than one win’ club. So now, the big question is whether more of the current winners will add a second or third triumph to their name. Or, will there be more one-win wonders? During this Talladega race, home hero, Bubba Wallace looked like he would be a strong contender with a Stage 1 win. Unfortunately, he eventually faltered and dropped to 17th.
