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BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 06: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, prepares to drive during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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BRISTOL, TN – APRIL 06: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, prepares to drive during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
It was not to be the special evening that Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin dreamed of. Despite being promoted into third after Elliott’s penalty, he eventually endured disappointment yet again.
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However, when one looks at the big picture of his season, it was no doom and gloom at all. Hamlin secured seven wins across the regular season, including back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in 2019 and 2020.
Denny Hamlin is proud of the efforts of his team
Speaking in the post-race press conference, Hamlin stated, “No, no one has won more than we have over the last two years, so Daytona 500 two years in a row, Final 4 two years in a row.”
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Nov 8, 2020; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR driver Joey Logano (22) leads Brad Keselowski (2) and Denny Hamlin (11) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
“Pretty proud what this team is doing and what we’re building towards. Proud of the effort.”
It is these few positives that have encouraged Hamlin ahead of what is to come next year. Despite the monkey on his back of not winning a championship yet, his focus would be to take it race by race in 2021.
Hamlin keen to re-launch title challenge in Phoenix next year
In hindsight, a possible race win in the Round of 8 might have given Hamlin the necessary advantage at the front of the grid. This is something he will reflect on during the winter break, before recharging his batteries to put in a stronger effort next year.
“We’ll come back and do it again next year. Looking forward to it. We’ll win as many races as we possibly can to get ourselves back in Phoenix again and with another shot.”
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Nov 8, 2020; Avondale, AZ, USA; Denny Hamlin (11) and Brad Keselowski (2) come past the finish line in stage two during the Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz. on Nov. 8, 2020. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-USA TODAY NETWORK
“But proud of this whole Joe Gibbs FedEx team for giving me cars that are capable of winning every week,” concluded Hamlin.
Hamlin did come close once in 2010, only to be usurped by eventual champion Jimmie Johnson. Breaking the duck of a maiden title in any sport is tough. If there is one man that has the will to do it, then it probably will be Denny Hamlin.
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