Denny Hamlin Puts His Sonoma Ambition on the Back Seat, Putting MTJ’s Probable Final Outing on the Pedestal

Denny Hamlin is facing a challenging weekend ahead in Sonoma. He is currently leading in the point standings with four cup race wins. However, despite his stellar season, he is uncertain whether he can make it to the victory lane at the Sonoma Raceway. The reason, you ask? His lackluster track record at Sonoma! His only notable performance on track was in 2016, which was a hot minute ago.

Moreover, last year was his worst-ever performance on the track, which led to a barrage of criticism from fans. This past failure might still be lingering in his mind as he approaches the race.

And to add to his worries, and everyone else’s, is Martin Truex Jr’s stellar record in Sonoma. He has always aced the track, and to date has won four times here, the last of which came in 2023. Another win this time will tie him with Jeff Gordon for the most all-time victories for a cup driver in Sonoma. So it’s a given that he will give his best!

But if you thought well, that’s enough hurdles for Denny Hamlin, you are wrong. Because he has another trouble from International waters coming at him!

Double trouble awaiting Denny Hamlin in Sonoma 

With pole position secured, Denny Hamlin embarked on his Sonoma 2023 journey, aiming to maneuver through the course with remarkable speed and precision. But he got caught up in the front stretch, spun, and crashed to the wall. This damaged his car and career alike. He finished last on 32nd! This last-place finish at Sonoma is his first last-place finish since Kentucky in 2014. On the other hand, Martin Truex Jr truly was in his best form and ended up winning the race.

Denny Hamlin, while talking to Frontstretch, said, “Um, well, we qualified on the pole, and you know, we were really strong in qualifying on all the road courses. I was just… I’m still trying to get better at them. But Martin was so good at this racetrack, at, you know, saving his tires and figuring out how much throttle to apply to be good in the long run. And so, that advantage kind of is negated a little bit now. But he did come here and test, so it’s probably net the same when it’s all said and done. “

His statement indicated his current struggle with road courses, expressing how he feels he is not yet proficient in that area. According to him, Martin Truex Jr is the one who will race to the sunset. But while he seems to be looking towards Truex Jr taking the crown, another driver is here to challenge him- Cam Waters!

Cam Waters, a ​​Supercars star from Australia, is making his debut at the cup race in Sonoma. Fans have seen how Shane van Gisbergen became the first driver in decades to win a cup race in his debut. And given that Waters too is making a debut, chances of him performing in a stellar fashion are expected.

However, it’s not all hopeless for Hamlin, as he has performed well sometimes on the track. In 2016 he had a great run in Sonoma, he finished p2 to Tony Stewart. And as far as difficulties go, even Martin Truex Jr. might not have it easy this time around. 

Martin Truex Jr. winning in Sonoma Raceway is crucial 

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All eyes are on Martin Truex Jr. for the Sonoma race. ​​He has always performed his best on the track. But is it all going to be easy for him? The track has recently been updated with a repave after two decades. Now this throws Truex Jr.’s edge out the window. Because his entire strategy was always to be able to save the tire wear and then change to new tires at the end and chase ahead. 

This is what happened last year when Chase Elliott was leading. He swooped in at the last laps and took the win. But with this repaved track his advantage has diminished as the new surface reduces tire wear for all drivers. Even Truex Jr. acknowledged and said, “I wish they didn’t (repave the track).”

But winning in this weekend’s race is crucial for Truex Jr for a few good reasons. First, this win will not only end the win drought for the #19 team but also solidify Truex Jr’s berth in the post-season playoffs. He is fourth on the driver’s standings. But winning will just give him a cushion. 

Secondly, he will be chasing not just for a win but to tie a record with Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. And third- this is his best chance to win, given his strong suit here. 

But only time will tell what’s to come. What do you think? Will Hamlin be able to outperform his competition? Will Truex Jr succumb to recent changes in Sonoma?