NASCAR is full of surprises—flashes and events happening within seconds. Interestingly, on most occasions in NASCAR racing, it takes time for the drivers and the fans to comprehend what just happened. One such thing happened at the Richmond Raceway the previous week. The shock tremors of what happened at Cook Out 400 are still afresh in the racing community. But, as time passes by, we can break the turn of events into pieces and explain better the way Austin Dillon managed to pull it off in the dying moments of the last lap.

Denny Hamlin was there, at the center of the incident. He could see the theatrics as it unfolded in front of his eyes. But he could not comprehend how he ended up in a position where he finished on his home turf. But now that he can recall the incident without the heat of the moment, he can visualize it. He can now describe the incident as it occurred, and there could be a better sketch for the fans to understand the turn of events at Richmond Raceways.

Denny Hamlin reveals a picture-perfect scenario of the race

It is probably without a doubt that the race at Richmond Raceways was one of the most talked about races of the season. With a controversial winner, an infuriated set of drivers and analysts gave possible explanations left, right, and center. The race had all the drama and heat both on and off the track.

Denny Hamlin was one of the two drivers who was on the receiving end of a relentless wreck from Austin Dillon, along with Joey Logano. While it had a lesser impact on the Joe Gibbs Racing ace driver, it did, however, derail him from the race. Hamlin was leading the race for a long time before the incident happened.

Days later, Denny Hamlin now recalls how the wreck unfolded on the racetrack at Cook Out 400. Talking to Jared Allen of Dale Jr.’s Dirty Mo Media on his podcast Actions Detrimental, the No. 11 of Joe Gibbs Racing initially revealed what amazed him: “I saw the 3 not decelerate you know, I mean he just kept going. He obviously was not going to make a corner in a reasonable fashion. My eyes got really big. Cuz he’s carrying so much speed that regardless of whether he makes contact with 22 or not, he’s gonna have such a bad run off of, like a legit shot to get around him. So, my eyes got big and then when I saw that he was actually getting to 22.”

But that’s not all, the picturesque description of the clash was certainly one of the highlights of the podcast. Denny Hamlin further said, “I mean we’re talking split seconds this is really quick. And I start to see the 22 turn sideways. And I am like what. this is it finally. I am gonna get one the other way. You know get one probably I didn’t deserve. Yeah, the track clears. And I come off the corner just the same as I always have. I think that 3 is in the smoke up there and next thing you know my car turns dead right into the fence. And just crushes. Crushes me, crushes the car and I see the checkered and were the first to get there.”

The way Denny Hamlin describes that leaves no question that the wreck from Austin Dillon was indeed predetermined and not accidental. And NASCAR has also taken note of the situation. After investigating the turn of events, NASCAR has decided to snatch Austin Dillon’s playoff berth that he got after the win at Richmond Raceways. He is also penalized for 25 cup series and owner points. Richard Childress Racing, however, has decided to appeal against NASCAR’s decision at the National Motorsports Appeals Panel. Consequently, Joey Logano was also fined $50,000 for aggression in the pit lane, and he was visibly angry after he got wrecked.

3 races, 4 spots!

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As Austin Dillon’s provisional spot is removed from the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, 12 drivers remain locked into the postseason with only three races left in the regular season. These final races offer crucial chances for drivers outside the current 16-driver playoff grid to secure their spots. At least one playoff spot will be awarded based on points.

Martin Truex Jr. (+78), Ty Gibbs (+18), and Bubba Wallace (+3) currently sit above the elimination line. Chris Buescher now holds the 16th and final spot, tied in points with Ross Chastain but leading on the tiebreaker due to better finishes. Despite a recent surge, Wallace also has a narrow three-point lead over Buescher, keeping the pressure on for the No. 23 Toyota team.

Meanwhile, Gibbs’ 18-point advantage is far from secure, as a single stage could erase that margin. Buescher and Chastain find themselves in a close battle for 16th, with just three points separating them from Wallace. As the playoff race tightens, every point counts, making the final weeks of the regular season a high-stakes battle for all contenders.

Who do you think will make it to the final 16 now that Austin Dillon has lost the spot and he is not able to win in next 3 races? Do let us know in the comments.