Denny Hamlin reveals if he’s confident for Phoenix after JGR’s Martinsville misfortune

Denny Hamlin is heading into the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix with a calm but confident mindset, even after a tough weekend at Martinsville. During the race, both Hamlin and teammate Chase Briscoe faced engine problems that ended their chances early.

The three-time Daytona 500 winner shared his thoughts in a short video posted by Dirty Mo Media on X. The clip showed Denny Hamlin being asked about his confidence level ahead of Phoenix after JGR’s Martinsville troubles. When asked about how confident he felt going into the finale, Denny Hamlin kept it simple,

“Just generally pretty high.”

He explained that the setback might have been helpful in some ways. He added,

“I think it was a benefit, you know, to give me a little bit more extra time. That racetrack has been beneficial. Yeah, I think I’m smarter going into that racetrack (Phoenix) than I would have been had I just locked myself in yesterday,”

Hamlin’s optimism comes after JGR’s Martinsville misfortune, which motorsport.com later reported was caused by a faulty batch of valve springs. Both Hamlin's and Briscoe’s engines failed due to the same defect. Team owner Joe Gibbs confirmed on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that valve springs were indeed the problem.

“I think it always concerns you anytime you have a motor issue,” Gibbs said.

He added that the team examined all the parts and came up with a plan to prevent a repeat at Phoenix. Hamlin’s issue wasn’t an isolated case this season. He’s faced multiple mechanical setbacks, including starter and power steering problems.

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“It certainly psychologically makes you feel better”: Denny Hamlin admits relief after Penske’s exit

Ahead of the Phoenix finale, Denny Hamlin also opened up about Team Penske’s absence from the Championship 4. He said that while he deeply respects what Penske has achieved on flat tracks, he can’t deny feeling a bit more at ease knowing they’re not in the mix this year.

Flat tracks have long been a strong point for Penske. Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano have both excelled on them, especially at New Hampshire, Gateway, and Martinsville. Blaney even scored a win at New Hampshire and nearly did it again at Martinsville. Over the past three years, Penske drivers have dominated Phoenix, making their elimination a relief for other contenders. Speaking on YouTube/Actions Detrimental, Hamlin said,

“It certainly psychologically makes you feel better. I don’t know that it really matters. You’re an idiot if you don’t respect what they’ve done at that racetrack, right?”

Hamlin added that when people talk about wanting to keep Penske out of the Championship 4, it’s not a sign of disrespect; it’s a recognition of their history of success.

“It’s just because you have to respect what they’ve done,” he said.

Now, Denny Hamlin is set to face teammate Chase Briscoe and Hendrick Motorsports drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron at Phoenix. The race is scheduled to happen on Sunday, November 2.

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Edited by Tushhita Barua