Denny Hamlin’s Playoff Hopes Dashed by Atlanta Wreck and Powertrain Issues: My goal was to earn…
Denny Hamlin is grappling with a tough start to the NASCAR Playoffs after a crash during the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Hamlin’s strategy was clear: secure vital points to advance his quest for a first Cup Series title. However, his plans were derailed when a wreck on the final lap disrupted his race.
Hamlin’s goal was to earn 20 points to enhance his playoff standing. He explained to NBC Sports after the race, as quoted by Yardbarker.com:
“I felt we finally got the car where it needed to be at the end, but we were caught in a traffic jam with several lanes blocking our path, limiting our options.”
“I aimed to avoid wrecks and gather as many points as possible, but starting from the back didn’t help. We did our best, but the crash cost us around eight to ten spots.”
Hamlin, who had started from the back due to powertrain issues during qualifying, faced additional setbacks. Before the race, he shared his frustration with Newsweek:
“We had no clear indication of the problem until it was diagnosed. It was definitely related to the powertrain, which meant starting at the back. We hoped to battle our way forward with our Mavis Camry and believed in its potential.”
Despite his efforts, Hamlin’s race at Atlanta did not go as planned. The wreck and starting position issues led to a significant drop in his playoff standings from sixth to 11th.
Hamlin will look to rebound at Watkins Glen next weekend, aiming to make up for the lost ground and improve his playoff position.
