Denny Hamlin weighed in on teammate Ty Gibbs' strategy at Sonoma. Gibbs had the fastest car, but finished third after his team played it safe to secure points.
What happened at Sonoma?
Gibbs started from pole and led 31 laps, but his crew chief, Tyler Allen, decided not to pit early to flip the field for restarts. This decision allowed Gibbs to sweep the stages and pocket 20 points.
Gibbs passed Kyle Larson in the standings and moved to fourth overall, 188 points clear of the Chase bubble. However, Denny Hamlin pointed out that Gibbs could have earned more points with a win.
Why it matters for Denny Hamlin
Hamlin's own day at Sonoma was affected by a wreck on lap 64, which damaged his front splitter and handling. He spun into the dirt and dropped to last, but managed to dig back to 26th.
Despite the setback, Hamlin left Sonoma leading the championship by one point, 719 to 718, after Tyler Reddick's power steering failed and he finished dead last.
What comes next for Denny Hamlin?
Hamlin watched the on-board footage from Bowman's car and understood the chain reaction that led to the wreck. He acknowledged that Carson Hocevar did not hook him, but was carried forward by the incident behind him.
Denny Hamlin will look to build on his lead in the championship standings. With the new playoff system in place, every point counts, and Hamlin will need to stay focused to maintain his position.
The tension between winning and securing points is a challenge that many teams face. Denny Hamlin recognized that Gibbs' team made a strategic decision, but also understood the desire to go for a win.
Gibbs could have earned 65-plus points with a win, including stage points. Instead, he finished with 54 points, which was still a strong haul. The decision to play it safe paid off, but it also highlights the difficulties of balancing points and wins in the new playoff system.
Denny Hamlin's experience and insight provide valuable context to the situation. As a seasoned driver, he understands the importance of strategy and points in the championship standings.
The championship battle is heating up, and Denny Hamlin is in a strong position. With his lead and experience, he will be a contender for the title. The new playoff system adds an extra layer of complexity, but Hamlin is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.