Chris Gayle tells why winning a NASCAR championship with Denny Hamlin would be “extra sweet”

Denny Hamlin's crew chief Chris Gayle opened up about vying for a championship regardless of who's behind the wheel. That said, he admitted that winning alongside the No.11 driver would be more rewarding, given everything Hamlin has endured.

Hamlin's been a full-time Cup driver for nearly two decades now. He's currently tenth on the all-time wins list and is still chasing the long-elusive Cup title. At 44-years-old, Hamlin is also the winningest driver this season, while also being the only driver among the title contenders with the most finale appearances.

Hamlin hasn't won a race in Phoenix since 2019, but the Virginia native came close to it during the spring race this season. Nonetheless, mechanical issues continue to plague the Toyota driver, while he hasn't been a threat in similar flat tracks like New Hampshire, Iowa or Richmond.

Under such conditions, Gayle was asked his personal desire for Hamlin this weekend.

"This situation is, there are four really good cars, really good teams, really good crew chiefs, I just want to win the race right? I want to be the champion but it's not neccessarily something for me to come and get it for Denny kinda thing. Whoever was driving that would be my goal here so, would it be extra sweet with Denny because I know what he's gone through...yes," he said via NASCAR's official website.

Denny Hamlin recently shared that it's his ailing father's last chance to see him win the title. Reflecting the same, his usual race-winning persona took a sombre turn when he qualified for the final four at Las Vegas. He shed tears during the post-race interview and shared his earnest hope to win the title.

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Denny Hamlin shares whether winning the title would be awkward amid legal dispute with NASCAR

Denny Hamlin co-owned 23XI Racing moves to a December 1 trial for its antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. While the case has reared its ugly head on both sides, Hamlin remained cordial about possibly receiving the trophy from NASCAR chiefs Steve Phelps and Steve O'Donnell.

Fox analyst Bob Pockrass asked about the same in a recent press conference at Phoenix Raceway.

"I mean, I've seen those guys as much as I've ever seen them over the last few weeks. It's just that I've had a different suit on, and they have been in their normal suits. So I don't think so. Respect for all those guys, obviously. It's a totally different issue than what we're fighting on," Denny Hamlin replied.

The Joe Gibbs Racing ace will go against his teammate Chase Briscoe, who's largely been an underdog this whole season. Hendrick Motorsports' Kyle Larson looks to join the ranks of multiple title winners, while William Byron hopes to etch his name in history.

The four drivers will face off on Sunday, November 2, at 3 PM ET. Notably, post-race inspections will take three or four hours to confirm the title winner.

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Edited by Vignesh Kanna