Denny Hamlin views the race at Kansas Speedway as a missed opportunity, finishing eighth despite having the fastest car. Similar to his first playoff race, there were clear strategy missteps during the 2024 Hollywood Casino 400, compounded by pit road issues and bad timing with cautions. The seasoned driver hasn’t won since April at Dover and faces a challenging path in the upcoming races.
Ross Chastain’s unexpected victory at the 1.5-mile oval leads Hamlin to reflect on the intense pressure championship contenders face in the latest Actions Detrimental podcast.
Hamlin discusses how playoff drivers approach races differently than others, often opting for a more conservative strategy that prioritizes stage points over race finish positions. He notes that the last ten races resemble a marathon, where some drivers might secure a win to advance, but others need a long-term strategy to stay in contention.
He remarked, “Non-playoff drivers don’t worry about stage points, which gives them an edge. Meanwhile, playoff teams are more conservative during this time.”
Hamlin’s comments highlight a trend where teams adopt a cautious approach during the playoffs. He faced criticism for his strategy in the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta, where he seemed hesitant to make aggressive moves, ultimately finishing 24th and complicating his chances in the Round of 12.
The pursuit of stage points can be effective but may also lead to setbacks, especially on challenging tracks like the Charlotte Roval, where overtaking is limited. Teams will have to decide whether to prioritize high finishes or stage points.
Chastain’s victory at the Hollywood Casino 400 ended his 30-race winless streak, preventing any playoff driver from clinching automatic advancement to the Round of 8. His race strategy exemplified Hamlin’s point about non-playoff drivers being more willing to take risks, which can lead to success in the season’s final races.
In a post-race interview, a thrilled Chastain expressed the significance of the win for his team, emphasizing their goal to disrupt the competition. Trackhouse Racing has made significant strides since its 2021 debut, although Daniel Suarez, who is in the Round of 12, is taking a more cautious approach compared to Chastain.
