Denny Hamlin claimed victory at Sunday’s Darlington race, marking his second consecutive win in an electrifying NASCAR event. While Hamlin’s skill in overtime was on full display, it was the remarkable performance of his pit crew that positioned him for triumph. Entering pit road in third place, Hamlin’s crew managed to execute their tasks in an impressive 8.3 seconds, catapulting him into the lead as the race hurtled into overtime. The speed at which Hamlin emerged from pit road led many to speculate that he was speeding, with NASCAR potentially missing the infraction.
Cup Series managing director Brad Moran addressed this theory during a Tuesday appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Moran confirmed that Hamlin adhered to regulations, with no red lights indicating a speeding violation. “Each pit road is obviously a different length and a different shape,” said Moran, highlighting the electronic timing system that governs speed. “There are timing loops that are put around, 8-to-13 loops depending on what track it is and it’s all electronically timed. If you speed through a section, it gives you a five-mile-an-hour buffer, and if you’re 5.01 over, you’re speeding. You can manipulate your speed through those sections but it’s really clear, a black and white rule and Denny did not speed through that pit stop.”
Hamlin’s speed in the pit road’s final sector clocked at 47.79 mph, comfortably below the 49.99 mph limit as per Bozi Tatarevic of Road & Track/Motorsport. This strategic execution allowed him to overtake competitors, reaffirming his impressive positioning near the timing line and exceptional launch.
As the race unfolded, Hamlin and his crew demonstrated impeccable synchronization during the race’s climax. Hamlin shared insights into their mindset with Kevin Harvick, “The pit crew were salivating at the opportunity, and they certainly performed. Last week, the pit crew got a lot of attention on different things they were doing and for them to showcase it at the end of this race in a green-white-checkered situation where they know that if they get you out with a lead, your chances of winning are pretty high.” Their dedication and precise performance paid off, securing a vital edge.
The significance of this victory resonates beyond the race course. Denny Hamlin’s pit stop performance is not only a testament to his racing prowess but also underscores the essential role of teamwork in motorsports. This event highlights the intricate dynamics at play, where split-second decisions and precise coordination can determine the outcome. As fans and teams alike reflect on this thrilling race, it becomes apparent that Hamlin’s win was not merely a personal triumph but also a showcase of collective excellence and strategic brilliance in NASCAR racing.
