Denny Hamlin's baby-watch scenario couldn't have turned out any better

One of the biggest storylines in NASCAR over the last month has been the availability of Denny Hamlin. 

Hamlin had been on baby watch since the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25, and with his fiancee, Jordan Fish, potentially having the couple's third child at any moment, Ryan Truex was on standby for Hamlin at Charlotte, Nashville and Michigan. 

On June 12, Hamlin announced that he would miss the June 15 race in Mexico City following the birth of his son, with Truex driving the No. 11 Toyota in his place. 

From a personal perspective, things worked out great for Hamlin, as he was able to be with his family before, during and after the birth of his son. 

From a competitive standpoint, things worked out pretty well, too. 

Hamlin has never been a great road-course racer. In 57 road-course starts, he has only one victory. While missing a race isn't ideal in regards to points, Hamlin likely wasn't going to have a huge points day in Mexico City anyway. Despite running one less race than his peers this season, he's still fifth in the Cup Series standings. 

Hamlin will return to the cockpit on June 22, when the Cup Series visits a track he knows like the back of his hand: Pocono Raceway. 

Pocono has been kind to Hamlin since his rookie season in 2006. He swept the two races at the 2.5-mile "Tricky Triangle" in his rookie season and has won a record seven times at the track in 35 starts. 

There's arguably no better track for Hamlin to return at than Pocono, where, even after missing a week behind the wheel, he'll be one of the favorites to win. 

With speed under the hood, history at Pocono on his side and momentum behind the entire No. 11 team following Hamlin's win at Michigan on June 8, don't be surprised if Hamlin returns to action and puts his car in Pocono victory lane again on Sunday.