Kevin Harvick expressed his admiration for the bond between Denny Hamlin and his crew chief. Harvick, a prominent figure in NASCAR history, showcased his expertise at Bristol by winning the Food City 500. He utilized his exceptional tire management skills, as the Goodyear tires used in the race had an unprecedented level of wear. This victory marked Hamlin’s 52nd win in the Cup, and given his impressive performance this season, it certainly won’t be his last in 2024.
During a discussion about Denny Hamlin’s recent triumph, Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion, highlighted a crucial aspect of Team No. 11’s success. Harvick emphasized the strong bond between Hamlin and his crew chief, pointing out the immense trust that exists between them. This relationship with his former racing teammate has proven to be highly beneficial for Hamlin.
Chris Gabehart, who joined Denny Hamlin in the 2019 season, previously enjoyed a successful tenure with JGR’s Xfinity Series team. Over their five-year partnership, they secured victory in 21 races, including back-to-back wins at the Daytona 500. Their consistent performance consistently placed them in the top five in the championship standings throughout their time together.
Harvick also elaborated on the Gabehart-Hamlin relationship, stating that the Bristol race should have been Hamlin’s second consecutive win. According to Harvick, Team No. 11 deserved to come out victorious in the Phoenix race the week before, if not for a late-race spin. This demonstrates the team’s potential and their ability to fight for the win.
During the podcast, Harvick also mentioned that Hamlin’s consistent start to the season has solidified his status as a championship contender in 2024. Harvick firmly believes that, with sustained performance, Hamlin has the potential to become the season champion.
