USA Today via Reuters
May 9, 2021; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) and Denny Hamlin (11) race in front of William Bryon (24) during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 9, 2021; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) and Denny Hamlin (11) race in front of William Bryon (24) during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Back in Darlington, Bubba Wallace’s foundation helped a fan get a step closer to achieving one of her dreams. NASCAR fan Kelly revealed in a talk that she attended her first NHRA race when she was four years old. The now 16-year-old harbors a dream of being a NASCAR Cup Series crew chief. In light of this, Toyota Racing, Wallace’s foundation and Joe Gibbs Racing gave her a chance to experience the sport.
The Live To Be Different foundation handed Kelly a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go behind the scenes and understand what her dream entails. She admitted that she hoped to come away from the experience with a lot of knowledge.
Meet Kelly. Her dream is to be a #NASCAR crew chief. In Darlington we, along with @BubbaWallace’s “Live to be Different” Foundation, gave her an opportunity to get closer to that dream with the help of @CG1751 and @JoeGibbsRacing. pic.twitter.com/edlvxVHufc
— Toyota Racing (@ToyotaRacing) September 18, 2021
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In other words, Kelly wanted to know the ins and outs of racing and being a crew chief. She also revealed that her favorite part of the day was her interaction with Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief Chris Gabehart. He was extremely helpful, especially in outlining how he plans his weekend.
As a bonus, Kelly got a chance to get her picture taken with the trophy and with Denny Hamlin.
How did the race go for Joe Gibbs Racing?
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Speaking of Hamlin, it was at that race that he went on to take his maiden win of the season. In all honesty, Hamlin desperately needed that win, because he had gone the entire regular season winless. So, this would have been a massive confidence booster. Meanwhile, Martin Truex Jr was the closest JGR driver in 4th place. Finally, Christopher Bell ended up in 20th, and Kyle Busch had a nightmare race in 35th.
USA Today via Reuters
May 9, 2021; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) races during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Now, the Joe Gibbs Racing team is gearing up to intensify its championship bid. The good news for them is that all four of their drivers have made it through to the Round of 12.
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On the other end of the scale, they know that the fight will get much tougher. At the moment, Denny Hamlin looks like the best candidate to take the fight to his rival teams. However, he will have a backup in the form of Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr, and Christopher Bell.
READ MORE: “Felt Like I Was in a Video Game” – Denny Hamlin on His NASCAR Cup Series Debut
