Denny Hamlin experienced a challenging night at the Bristol short track during the final race of the Round of 16, finishing in a disappointing 31st place. The driver described the 500-lap Bass Pro Shops Night Race as one of the most physically demanding short track competitions he has faced in a long time, highlighting the intense conditions of the event.
The race was marked by 14 cautions covering 137 laps, creating significant disruption and testing the endurance of all competitors, especially Hamlin, who currently leads the playoff standings. Despite having four previous victories at the half-mile Bristol track and starting the race strong with a sixth-place qualifying position, Hamlin’s night took a harsh turn.
Coming off a win at World Wide Technology Raceway, Hamlin was expected to be a strong contender. However, issues with tire wear and a critical problem with his right-front tire detached from the wheel hub severely impacted his performance and race outcome. Under the floodlights and frequent interruptions, Hamlin shared his candid reflections on the difficulties he faced.
Hamlin Describes the Physical Toll of Bristol’s Night Race
On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin detailed the early struggles that set the tone for his tough race, explaining how he quickly realized the severity of his car’s condition:
“It was the most physical short track or race in general, I’d been in in quite some time… if you notice I got hung on the outside for a few laps and then all of a sudden I was like what the hell’s going on? I think I’ve quartered my right front and it was only like 15 laps into the race. So pretty quickly, I looked up at the top of the racetrack. I saw the marbles, and I was like, ‘Oh boy, we got one of these races. All right, let’s go.’ Like, I was actually excited to see how this played out. But yeah, just car was not uh not built for this type of race.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
This commentary shows how Hamlin initially tried to embrace the challenge of a demanding, caution-filled race but ultimately found his car ill-equipped for the conditions. His race unravelled early due to the compromised tire, contributing to constant setbacks throughout the event.
Impact of the Tire Issue and Penalty on Hamlin’s Performance
Hamlin’s troubles became more acute when his right-front wheel came off during the race, forcing him into a two-lap penalty. This penalty severely hindered his chances of a strong finish and eliminated an opportunity to build on his playoff lead. Describing the incident and his response, Hamlin offered a straightforward acceptance:
“It is what it is. We were the only car on pit road at the time and unfortunately, the tire fell off.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Despite this setback, Hamlin maintains a 26-point cushion over the playoff cutoff line, positioning him well to advance to the Round of 8. His prior success and experience at Bristol suggest he remains a key contender for the championship, though this race highlighted some of the risks and mechanical challenges inherent in such a grueling short track event.
Hamlin’s Standing as a Championship Contender
Denny Hamlin has yet to capture a Cup Series championship, but his consistent performances and multiple wins keep him firmly in the mix for the Bill France Cup. His significant experience at Bristol and tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing underscore his status as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
The Bristol event’s difficulties serve as a reminder of how unpredictable short track racing can be and how even top contenders can face nights where circumstances beyond driving skill influence outcomes. For Hamlin, this experience at Bristol may prompt adjustments going forward as he fights to extend his playoff lead and strengthens his bid for the season title.
Hamlin’s tough night at Bristol underscores the importance of mechanical reliability and race strategy in NASCAR playoffs, particularly on short tracks marked by frequent cautions and intense physical demands. As the season progresses, his resilience and ability to learn from such setbacks will likely shape his championship pursuit.
