Despite a horrendous start to the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, Denny Hamlin could actually be shaping up to be the strongest title contender.
I know that sounds like one of the craziest things I could’ve possibly said. But put down the stones and let me explain.
Yes, through the first 12 races of the season, Hamlin only has one top-10 finish, his win at Richmond Raceway. He’s currently on pace to score just three top 10s this season, which would be his lowest total since scoring three in his seven starts way back in 2005.
Hamlin’s already had four DNFs after having just two over the previous three seasons combined. He’s already finished off the lead lap seven times, something he hasn’t done in a season since he did so nine times in his winless 2018. He’s currently 22nd in points, his lowest since he was 23rd in points after missing four races due to injury in 2013.
But that being said, Hamlin has two critical things going for him that immediately make him a threat for his first Cup title. The first is that Richmond win, which all but guarantees he will have a berth in the playoffs (let’s be honest, there won’t be 17 winners). The second is speed.
So far this year, Hamlin has a green-flag passing differential of 147 positions. That means he has made a pass 147 more times than he has been passed under green flag conditions. That puts him as tied with Kurt Busch for fourth best in the series, trailing only Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Hamlin has the ninth-most laps led and the 11th-most fastest laps despite failing to complete a whopping 470 laps so far.
Speed is not the issue in the No. 11 camp. The Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas haven’t been as fast as the Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets on a weekly basis, but I’m sure JGR will catch up as the season progresses.
Still, Hamlin’s finishes do not dictate how strong he has been this season. Martinsville Speedway is really the only race this year where the No. 11 team just…
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