Going into Saturday’s Bristol Night time race, one of many greatest storylines was whether or not Denny Hamlin might do sufficient to advance to the second spherical of the NASCAR Cup Collection playoffs.
Sure, Hamlin had gained the final two races at Bristol, however finishes of twenty fourth and twenty third within the first two races of the playoffs had him six factors under the minimize line getting into the Final Nice Colosseum.
For a driver who has discovered seemingly each means potential to lose a championship, a Spherical of 16 exit would’ve signified simply one other disappointing season with no Cup in sight.
Nonetheless, a clutch efficiency on Saturday — which noticed him qualify eighth, end sixth in Stage One, end third in Stage Two and end the race in fourth — was sufficient for Hamlin and the No. 11 workforce to advance to the Spherical of 12 by 15 factors, a 21-point distinction from inexperienced flag to the checkered.
Hamlin’s large day at Bristol wasn’t essentially a shock — the half-mile excessive banks have normally been form to the veteran driver — however Saturday’s outcome bucks the development of Hamlin and crew arising quick in large moments.
One other good monitor for Hamlin in Kansas looms because the Spherical of 12 opener. With wild-card races at Talladega and the Charlotte Roval ending the spherical, Kansas needs to be a pivotal race for your complete playoff subject.
Hamlin will enter the Spherical of 12 sixth among the many 12 drivers on the playoff grid, seven factors above the minimize line.
