The rain-soaked streets of Chicago tested the mettle of NASCAR’s best drivers as they gathered for the inaugural Cup Series race. The conditions were treacherous, and time was of the essence as the rain forced a shortened race.

Nevertheless, the drivers’ grit and skill were in full view when the field encountered a massive pile-up at Turn 11. Recently, Denny Hamlin commented about the traffic during the race and who might have caused it.

Denny Hamlin reveals Kevin Harvick’s clever race strategy

The circuit presented a tough challenge to competitors accustomed to the ovals. With a sharp right-turn straight into the narrow streets of Michigan Avenue and Jackson Drive, navigating this region took a lot of work. Unsurprisingly, the drivers were involved in an unprecedented and perplexing pile-up. The bewildering incident gave #11 Toyota Camry a chance to uncover a clever strategic move by Kevin Harvick.

During his podcast, Hamlin revealed, “I think, he had the track blocked. Well, he had the track open because you could drive right through, on the right side of him, and he was, instead of watching all these people go by, he just said, ‘Scr*w you guys, I’m blocking the tracks and no one else is passing me,’ you know. Instead of him losing all these spots and having to go to the back. So, it just worked out.”

Apparently, Harvick initially let drivers pass on the inside but sensing that he was about to lose positions, he halted the progression. NASCAR, unfortunately, got their hands full because the whole field then started trying to cheat spots under caution. They did their best, but it was tough for them to try to score who should have been where.

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William Byron set the fireworks off, spinning his car onto the barriers and setting off a chain reaction. Kevin Harvick and Corey LaJoie were caught up in the disaster, leaving the streets congested and drivers with little room to maneuver. NASCAR fans in Chicago greeted the confusing situation with amazement as their beloved drivers adapted to unfamiliar traffic patterns, resembling the daily commuters they encountered in the city. Back home, fans took stock of the carnage.

The pile-up created an exceptionally difficult job for NASCAR officials to determine the drivers’ positions. Hamlin aired his frustrations, emphasizing the need for fines and penalties for drivers that initiate a wreck. Despite the task’s difficulty, the drivers adapted, ensuring that the first race in Chicago would remain a thrilling and notable event to remember. He also stated, “You can’t make up the rules as you go, but like it’s. Well. You can apparently.”

All in all, the rain-drenched race in Chicago provided an intense spectacle for fans and drivers alike. It also uncovered a clever move by Harvick that perplexed the NASCAR officials. The unfamiliar terrain presented a challenge for the drivers. But they navigated it with expertise, leaving the fans with an unforgettable moment that validated the skills of all involved.

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