Imagine being in Denny Hamlin's shoes: one split-second decision at the Charlotte Roval could make or break your entire championship dream. Did he inadvertently hand the title to his biggest rival, Joey Logano? Hamlin's own words after the race revealed the torment: "I would not have passed him." But was that really an option? Let's break down this high-stakes dilemma and the surprising opinions coming from Logano himself.
The Charlotte Roval saw a nail-biting finish, with four drivers facing playoff elimination. Ross Chastain, known for his aggressive driving style, found himself battling reigning champion Joey Logano for the crucial eighth and final transfer spot. Chastain, piloting the No. 1 Chevy, threw everything he had at Hamlin's No. 11 Toyota in a desperate bid to advance.
However, Chastain's aggressive move backfired. In a twist of fate, his actions inadvertently helped Joey Logano secure his place in the Round of 8. This single incident could have massive championship implications, and Denny Hamlin might be kicking himself for it later. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Hamlin truly at fault, or was he caught in an impossible situation?
Joey Logano, never one to shy away from an honest assessment, weighed in on Hamlin's predicament, suggesting it was a no-win scenario. It's almost poetic how history repeated itself. Just last year, Logano himself narrowly avoided playoff elimination at Charlotte, only to be reinstated after Alex Bowman's car failed inspection. That lucky break propelled Logano to a win in Las Vegas the following week, securing his spot in the championship finale. This time, the tables turned, with Hamlin's actions inadvertently benefiting Logano.
In a pre-race press conference before the Las Vegas race, Logano addressed Hamlin's choices. "Denny would have to ask himself, âWhatâs going to give me the best chance to win the championship?â If thatâs your number one goal... What gives me the best chances to win the whole thing?ââ Logano elaborated, âRoss has proven to do whatever it takes to get to the next round or to win. Heâs done that multiple times. Do you want to race against him? I donât know.â
Logano essentially highlighted the Sophie's Choice that Hamlin faced: risk racing aggressively against Chastain, potentially jeopardizing his own position, or let Chastain through and risk Logano advancing further in the playoffs. And this is the part most people miss... Logano pointed out that there was no easy answer. He even suggested, âYouâre probably in a no-win situation, so you might as well just pass him and go and get a better spot.â But is it really that simple?
Logano poses a significant threat in the playoffs. Team Penske has dominated the championship scene in recent years, winning every single championship in the last three years. Logano himself has claimed the Bill France Cup twice during that span. So, by helping Logano advance, did Hamlin essentially increase his own odds of losing the championship?
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One could argue that Hamlin's frustration stemmed from being kept in the dark about the points situation. He voiced his opinion that he deserved to be fully informed to make the best decision. "I donât see any reason why I canât know what the point situation is.â Looking back, this lack of information might be the turning point that ultimately decides the championship outcome at Phoenix Raceway. Could this be the moment that crowns Logano champion again?
But the story doesn't end there. Hamlin's experience has opened up a larger conversation about race manipulation in NASCAR. With just a few races remaining, NASCAR is cracking down on any tactics that might be perceived as intentionally altering the outcome of a race. Mike Forde, NASCAR's managing director of communications, even suggested that officials might have intervened if Joe Gibbs Racing had instructed Hamlin not to pass Chastain. âThat would probably raise a red flag on our side.â
Hamlin, however, vehemently defends his right to make decisions based on his own best interests. âI had no allegiance to either party, and so at that point, my question would be: âDo I have a right to choose my competitor?ââ He continued, âBut on the race track, I feel as though, as long as youâre you donât have a bias to one party or another⊠I donât know why you canât make the best decision for yourself. Iâm more wondering, what is going to be allowed?â
Surprisingly, even Logano agrees with Hamlin on this point. "I donât think thatâs too far,â to make an informed choice after knowing the points scenario. But the damage is done. The coming weeks will reveal just how much Hamlin's decision at the Roval will cost him, especially considering his burning desire to break his two-decade-long winless streak in the Cup Series.
So, here's the million-dollar question: Did Denny Hamlin make the right call at the Charlotte Roval? Will he ultimately regret helping Joey Logano advance in the playoffs? And where do you draw the line between strategic racing and race manipulation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
