ARTICLE AD BOX
Denny Hamlin had a great start to the season earlier this year, but the experienced name of the NASCAR scene was not able to make the big result he dreamed about. For years, there has been an imperative that if Hamlin wants to remain inscribed as a legend of the sport, it is necessary for him to win the NASCAR Cup Series. The experienced name of the NASCAR scene sees things in a different way, considering that he has already become a big name with his previous victories on NASCAR tracks.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic gave his opinion on the penalty that changed the course of the season for Hamlin and his team during The Teardown podcast. Bianchi points out that it is difficult to oppose this, given that Hamlin and his team broke the already existing rules. However, Bianchi admits that it changed a lot for the No.11 team, which obviously experienced a mental decline, which could be felt in the rest of the season. The playoffs were far from ideal for them.
“The rule was the rule, and it was broken. There’s no arguing that. But it really effectively felt like it took the wind out of their sails,” Bianchi said, as quoted by On3.
“They were not the same team the rest of the way. They were on their back foot pretty much throughout the entire playoffs, they never really looked like the team they were during the regular season."
Jordan Bianchi shares his views
Jordan Bianchi explained that the big problem for Hamlin's team was losing 14 points they felt they deserved. After learning about the NASCAR penalty, this team reacted furiously, but it was necessary to accept things as they were.
These points changed the course of the season and made a significant difference. Without those points, the team had to struggle in the first round of the playoffs in Atlanta, where the extra points would change their strategy and the flow of the conversation. Fans and team leaders are wondering in which direction everything would have gone if those 14 points remained on their account.
In the second round, the team had to improvise, and in the third round, they were eventually eliminated. The consequences of this penalty were really visible. Hamlin and his team could not catch the rhythm after that, and it was clear that it would be difficult to get out of such a situation.
Bianchi also stressed that Hamlin, as a veteran driver who has never won a championship and is at the end of his career, may have less opportunity to win a title in the future. Many are questioning whether Hamlin will ever be given the chance to compete in the same way he did this season. The veteran NASCAR star failed to capitalize on the momentum he had, and unfortunately, he had to accept the decision of NASCAR officials.
Bianchi believes the team was in a very good position to achieve it this year, but the penalty ruined everything they had built up until then. It'll be interesting to see if this team has enough strength to come back even stronger next season, and show that such a penalty hasn't ruined their mindset.
Bianchi mentioned that the mentality of Hamlin's team during the regular season was focused on collecting as many points as possible. Denny expected that this season he would be able to silence the critics, and finally achieve what he had been talking about for years.
Regardless of everything, the experienced name of the NASCAR scene didn't have enough power to make a big success. However, judging by his earlier statements, Hamlin doesn't seem particularly disappointed, considering that he has a high opinion of himself, regardless of these results.
Bianchi is aware that their goal was to win the regular season championship and put themselves in a position where, even if a mechanical problem or accident occurs, it won't ruin their playoff chances. This was their plan to ensure they had enough room for error in the face of eventual contingencies at key moments in the season.
During every season, such situations are quite natural.
Denny Hamlin and retirement speculations
Immediately after the season ended, rumors began circulating that Hamlin might retire. However, he denied such rumors. He admitted that such things often come to his mind, especially after tough races, but he still sees himself in the world of racing.
"Only on Mondays when I feel like shit. I have a bad race, my body hurts, and it's like, uh, man. Yet, he admitted the unparalleled thrill of competition as a driving force: "But every Sunday, I get in that car and I'm like, 'I got a chance to win.' And that's just something that's going to be hard for me to give up."
English (US)