With Martin Truex Jr winning the regular-season championship, the NASCAR arena is shifting its focus to the playoff battles. Experts are placing their bets on the Championship 4 contenders already. Renowned motorsports journalists Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi delve into the crystal ball to forecast the final quartet vying for glory at the Phoenix Raceway. Gluck leans towards the dominance of Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. However, Bianchi’s predictions hold a surprising twist—his doubts about whether Denny Hamlin will make it to the title decider.

Although Denny Hamlin didn’t finish the regular season where he wanted, thanks to a faux pas that got him the penalty early in the season, he must be mighty relieved to see both his 23XI Racing drivers, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, making it into the playoffs. Hamlin has been vocal recently that if he had to help anyone at Daytona, he’d help Wallace. However, fortunately, we didn’t get a new winner and Wallace made it on points alone. After the race, Hamlin had some really good things to say about Wallace.

Jordan Bianchi places his championship 4 bets on Christopher Bell over Denny Hamlin

Amidst the anticipation of the NASCAR playoffs, experts Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi offer their insights into the championship contenders. So naturally, the spotlight falls on the coveted Championship 4 race at Phoenix. Where four drivers will battle for glory. Jeff has placed his bets on a showdown between Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports drivers with Truex Jr and Hamlin vs. Kyle Larson and William Byron. However, Jordan Bianchi has other things in mind.

In a surprising turn, Jordan’s final 4 driver predictions paint a different picture. He grapples with the balance between confidence and performance. Ultimately picking Truex Jr and Larson as slam dunks, and William Byron with a hint of caution. But the twist lies in his exclusion of Denny Hamlin. Jordan opts for Christopher Bell, leaving Hamlin out of the championship equation.

“It’s really hard. Like I really don’t want to come down to like we’re gonna have two JGR versus two Hendrick guys because I feel we’ve been down that road before,” said Bianchi. “So my final four, like you, I’ve got Truex and Larson I think they’re slam dunks. Byron, little leery on that, but I have him in my final four. They’re up and down. You look at the results this summer. They’ve had speed but if you’ve seen the result like they [Team #24] are up they’re down. Their finishes are bad.”

Continuing with his final pick, Bianchi said, “My fourth pick is [Christopher] Bell. I think Bell’s gonna get hot. I said this before… He is so good and I had him, I think as my Champion going into the year so I don’t feel like I can go off of that. This is a guy, we forget, led the point standings at one point… They have to stop making mistakes. They have the speed they haven’t executed well. When things go wrong things kind of snowball for them a little bit, but I look at last year and I just think that this team and Adam Stevens is such a good Crew Chief and Bell is showing that he can win anywhere.”

With the impending renewals of contracts for Joe Gibbs Racing, 23XI Racing, and Toyota, the stakes are high for Hamlin. But the present moment shines bright as he applauds Bubba Wallace’s entry into the playoffs.

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Hamlin is elated as both his drivers make it to the playoffs

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Reflecting on 23XI Racing’s goals for the year, Hamlin expresses contentment. Both Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace achieved their primary objective. Both cars are in the playoffs. In Hamlin’s words, “The only goal for 23XI this year was both cars in the playoffs. Tyler in his first year and Bubba in his third, getting it done.”

However, Hamlin’s applause doesn’t stop there. He lauds Wallace’s growth and achievements, highlighting victories against formidable competitors. Also, his words resonate as he emphasizes the significance of Wallace’s progress and dedication. In Hamlin’s eyes, it’s not just about the race. It’s about beating the odds and continuous improvement.

Highlighting the hard work put in by Wallace, Hamlin said, “Look at the teams and drivers that he’s beaten. I think that can’t be stated enough. Beating legitimate teams and drivers that make playoffs all the time. And he did it because he works hard. He’s worked on his craft of getting better.”

The NASCAR world prepares for a gripping playoff season. One that will redefine expectations and create unforgettable moments. Whether on the track or off, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence continue to captivate. Leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this high-speed saga. So, do you think Hamlin would reach the title decider at Phoenix? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.

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