The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 was won by Chase Elliott in double overtime after fierce battles with numerous drivers. While the HMS driver was having a good day, one of his most fierce rivals on track, Denny Hamlin had a nightmarish finish at. He started the race at P11 and made solid progress as he had one of the fastest cars of the day, but his dreams of a third win of the season ended in a late race spin.
Denny Hamlin had his aims set on breaking the streak of HM drivers and pushed through the ranks to P3 in Stage 1. Subsequently, the JGR driver claimed the lead on lap 260 but a mere six laps later lost it when Elliott was glued behind his bumper, and the veteran driver lost his Toyota. He spun out and wasn’t able to recover from it.
The 43-year-old, while talking to the media post-race, elaborated that he had been fighting up and down the field the whole day. However, when it mattered the most, it all came spiraling down as he spun his car around and slammed into the wall at the exit of the corner. Moreover, Hamlin had nothing else to comment on the win that he threw away and admitted his mistake to the JGR garage and media post-race.
Yeah, Just got loose, up in turn three... I had been fighting really the whole day and then you know, when you gotta push it the most on a green-white checkered... likely scenario was I wasn't gonna make out the corner with as much speed I was carrying thorugh the corner. I just got loose, and spun out. Denny Hamlin said.
Denny Hamlin attended a meeting with NASCAR officials pre-race at Texas
NASCAR tested a new Next-Gen package at Phoenix last year after the season finale. Subsequently, it was tested again at Bristol this year, which curated one of the most exciting races in NASCAR’s history due to the high tire degradation. However, recent races at short tracks such as Richmond and Martinsville were on the opposite end of the spectrum and showcased no major overtakes throughout the race.
This urged NASCAR to schedule a meeting with drivers ahead of the weekend in Texas. Subsequently, after the meeting, Hamlin gave an insight into what went on behind closed doors.
We’re just trying to get them to be as aggressive as they can. You know, especially with left-side tires. This Next Gen car doesn’t load the tires as much as the old car did. They’re into unchartered territory here as far as the compounds, it’s still got tons of room to go. One thing is, no more aerodynamic changes, just working on the tires and the tracks. Denny hamlin said in an interview with Bob Pockrass.
The No.11 Toyota driver explained that the driver wanted Goodyear to increase the tire degradation drastically. Moreover, the new package is not suitable as it does not load the tires up correctly at clockwise tracks. And subsequently emphasizes working on tracks and the tires instead of making aerodynamic changes.
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