The race at Phoenix Raceway was a nail-biter, with the finish line only a mere 0.049 seconds away when Denny Hamlin conceded defeat to his teammate, Christopher Bell. This was one of the closest finishes in the history of Phoenix Raceway, and the frustration was evident in Hamlin’s expletive-laden reaction over the radio. Bell’s victory marked his third consecutive win in the Next-Gen era, a feat achieved using the same equipment as Hamlin, which only added salt to Hamlin’s wound.
Once the dust of the race had settled, Hamlin’s raw emotional response served as a window into his deeper feelings about the race and his performance. As he dissected his actions on his podcast, Actions Detrimental, Hamlin admitted that his frustration sprang not just from the loss but from his perceived failure to do enough to secure a win. He mused over the pivotal moment in Turn 3, where he took a less aggressive line despite being a nose ahead of Bell.
This decision, Hamlin believes, cost him the race. He could have taken a more combative approach, forcing Bell to either back off or risk losing control, thereby providing Hamlin with a crucial lead at Turn 4’s exit. Instead, his decision to race cleanly gave Bell the opportunity to outmaneuver him. Bell took full advantage of this, using his teammate to move up the track, much to Hamlin’s regret.
Hamlin’s reflections reveal a poignant truth about the Next-Gen cars. He highlighted their ability to provide a driver with a significant advantage when on the low side, a skill which Bell seems to have mastered. From his high line maneuver at Atlanta to his tactical tire strategy at the Circuit of The Americas road course, Bell has shown his versatility. The Phoenix Raceway win, where he used the inside line of a flat oval to beat Hamlin, further confirms his prowess with the Next-Gen car.
The question arises, why did Hamlin, known for his aggressive driving style, choose to avoid a collision at Phoenix? The answer lies in the fact that despite his competitive spirit and his growing frustration over his 29-race winless streak, Bell is his teammate. Hamlin’s previous aggressive maneuvers, such as causing Chase Elliott to spin out in the 2017 playoff race at Martinsville and impacting Kyle Larson’s chances of winning at Pocono in 2023, were not against teammates. This difference in approach demonstrates Hamlin’s respect for team dynamics, even while he struggles with a desire to win.
In the midst of this introspection, Hamlin also expressed his views on Goodyear’s introduction of a softer option tire at Phoenix Raceway. This initiative aimed to improve the racing experience by promoting tire wear and creating more passing opportunities. Hamlin, a long-time supporter of softer tires, praised the move but voiced his desire for these tires to become the main tire rather than remaining optional. This sentiment is shared by NASCAR, who are considering this change for the Championship race at Phoenix.
As the racing season continues, all eyes will be on Hamlin. Will he adjust his strategy to secure more wins? Will he be able to strike a balance between his competitive spirit and the need to maintain a clean racing image? And will Goodyear heed Hamlin’s advice and make the softer tire compound the primary choice for races? As we anticipate the answers to these questions, one thing is for sure – the world of racing remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
