Denny Hamlin was deflated after being eradicated from the NASCAR Cup Sequence Playoffs at Martinsville Speedway, however the veteran wheelman was additionally grateful.
Following a difficult weekend in Virginia, Hamlin took to social media to mirror on all he’s been by in 2024. He thanked his followers, and even his detractors, for his or her assist all through the season, recognizing that he can nonetheless win a championship as an proprietor in Phoenix, resulting from Tyler Reddick’s participation.
“Thanks to all my buddies, household, followers (and even the non followers) for the assist of our 11 staff through the 2024 season,” Hamlin posted on X, following Martinsville. “Nonetheless acquired 1 extra shot to hoist the cup subsequent weekend.”
Regardless, it’s not the identical for Hamlin, because the NASCAR world is aware of how a lot an extended elusive championship would imply to the No. 11 Toyota wheelman. He tried his damndest to get a win at Martinsville and advance to the Championship 4, however he merely wasn’t quick sufficient to get the job accomplished.
“Simply extra pace, extra functionality,” Hamlin informed FrontStretch following the race, relating to what his automotive wanted to get him over the hump. “I simply felt like our steadiness was fairly good. We had been simply not quick sufficient to run with the opposite automobiles.
“Clearly we struggled with pace in the present day, and that was not ultimate, however we simply gotta get higher.”
It got here right down to Hamlin towards the three Hendrick automobiles and Ryan Blaney, they usually had been simply higher than the No. 11 on Sunday afternoon: “I’m probably not positive,” Hamlin added, relating to what he may’ve accomplished completely different. “I imply, definitely issues change if you get on the market and put all 36 automobiles on the market and rubber that’s on the observe. Situations, you understand from solar to nighttime so that you by no means know.
“Our automotive was good yesterday, however nonetheless, it seemed just like the Hendrick automobiles and the 12 actually simply had been a bit of quicker.”
Alas, the truth is Denny Hamlin shall be turning 44 later this month, and he solely has so many extra possibilities at getting his first NASCAR Cup Sequence title. He’s come painstakingly shut up to now, and he seemed to be on his approach in the direction of competing once more in 2024, however his efficiency tailed off over the previous couple of months.
