Denny Hamlin’s Championship 4 Race Chances Uncertain Amid Playoff Bubble
NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick has expressed doubts about Denny Hamlin’s chances of advancing to the Championship 4, labeling it a “virtual crapshoot” ¹. Hamlin’s performance in the playoffs has been inconsistent, and he’s currently 18 points below the cutline. To make matters worse, he failed to secure a win in Round of 8, making his path to the Championship 4 even more challenging.
*Hamlin’s Struggles*
Hamlin’s teammate, Christopher Bell, has been consistently outperforming him this season. Bell has maintained a top-four spot in the standings throughout the playoffs, while Hamlin has struggled to stay above the cutline ². Bell’s average finish of 12.7 is significantly better than Hamlin’s 14.5, and he’s also secured three wins this season.
*Path to Championship 4*
For Hamlin to advance to the Championship 4, he’ll likely need to win at Martinsville. Qualifying will be crucial, as the first stage points will be vital in determining the cutoff ¹. Harvick believes that Hamlin’s experience on short tracks could work in his favor, but it’s still an uphill battle.
*Current Standings*
– Christopher Bell: +42 points above the cutoff line
– Kyle Larson: +35 points above the cutoff line
– William Byron: +27 points above the cutoff line
– Denny Hamlin: -27 points below the cutoff line ²
*What’s Next?*
The next two races will be make-or-break for Hamlin. If he can’t secure a win or accumulate enough points, his championship hopes will be dashed. Catch Hamlin in action at Martinsville Speedway on November 3 at 2 pm ET to see if he can turn his fortunes around ¹.
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