Denny Hamlin fires back at Clint Bowyer after getting put on spot about his NASCAR Cup Championship chances

“I feel pretty strong about our chances for sure,” Hamlin said. “Certainly, it is a little different when you get put under the gun like that for sure. Until I feel differently, then I’ll let you know. I think TV Clint is trying to find some drama.”

Denny Hamlin on a mission to secure 1st NASCAR Cup Series championship

Hamlin, 43, is going for Cup Series championship No. 1 in his 20th season behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. It’s the only thing missing from his Hall of Fame résumé, though this year feels quite different.

Hamlin has been arguably the most consistent driver through 13 races this season, tied with Willam Byron for a series-leading three checkered flags. He’s tallied six top 10s, five top 5s and led 607 laps, second only to Kyle Larson.

“I would say that I am [consistent]. But I’m not also,” Hamlin told Pockrass. “If we look at the average finish of the Gen-6 car, I think we ended 2021 with a 9–average finish. That immediately went up to like 15. And then it’s 12. And we’re working our way back down. But certainly, I feel as though we’re as consistent as anyone. But when you make a mistake, whether it be on pit road or whatever, you’re not going to be able to come back from that like you used to be able to before. So, it puts a big emphasis on the driver to make sure he has a clean race with no mistakes.”