Denny Hamlin has equaled NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon by achieving the best finish ever for a driver starting their 700th Cup Series race, securing third place in Nashville. He is the 22nd driver to hit this remarkable milestone in their career.
The race was particularly tough for Hamlin, not only due to the challenging concrete oval track but also because his helmet’s air hose was cut, making the cockpit of his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota extremely hot. “It was really hot,” Hamlin admitted after the race, noting he didn’t have the advantage of cooling garments that some other drivers use. To cope, he kept his visor open to get some fresh air while competing with Carson Hocevar and eventual winner Ryan Blaney.
Strategically, Hamlin focused on a long-run approach, which involved managing tire wear carefully to keep lap times competitive. He explained, “We all got fresh tires and kept our lap times down. We managed to get past #77 (Hocevar) who faced some difficulties with his truck.” Additionally, Hamlin might not have planned to race, as he and his partner Jordan Fish are expecting their third child, a boy. Fortunately, he finished strong, winning Stage 1 and leading 79 laps overall.
Fan Take: This milestone finish by Hamlin resonates with fans who admire consistency and endurance in NASCAR. It showcases that even seasoned drivers can still battle intensely and compete at the highest level, keeping the sport exciting and deeply passionate for long-time followers.
