Denny Hamlin came into the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season with one goal in mind – to clinch his first championship at the age of 44. And for most of the season, it seemed like the veteran driver was well on his way to achieving that feat. However, a heartbreaking pit stop during the final overtime start in Sunday’s championship race at Phoenix International Raceway dashed his hopes in an instant.
Leading 208 laps and poised to take home the title, Denny Hamlin had been dominant throughout the race. His No. 11 team had executed a near-perfect race, making all the right calls and keeping him in contention for the win. But when it mattered the most, they were forced to make a pivotal call, one that ultimately cost them the championship.
As Hamlin’s car pitted for the final time, his crew chief, Chris Gabehart, had to make a critical decision. With only a handful of laps remaining, the team had to decide whether to take four fresh tires or just two. In a split-second, Gabehart made the call to change all four tires, a decision that would prove costly in the end.
As the race resumed for the final overtime start, Hamlin’s car struggled to gain speed with the new tires. The other drivers, who had opted for just two fresh tires, were able to pull away, leaving Hamlin behind. As he fought to regain lost ground, he was visibly frustrated, knowing that his chances of victory and the championship were slipping away.
And as the checkered flag waved, it was Chase Elliott who emerged as the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, while Denny Hamlin had to settle for a disappointing 11th place finish. In a post-race interview, Hamlin revealed his emotions, saying, “I’m heartbroken. I thought we had a shot at it, and I couldn’t make it happen.”
But the disappointment wasn’t just felt by Denny Hamlin. His fans, who had been rooting for him all season, were equally heartbroken. And many took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment, with some even going as far as to call Gabehart a “F****NG idiot” for making the wrong pit stop call.
Despite the backlash, it’s important to remember that racing is a team sport, and every decision made on the track is a collective effort. And in this case, the No. 11 team made a split-second call that ultimately backfired. In the high-pressure environment of a championship race, it’s easy to make the wrong decision, and unfortunately, that’s what happened to Denny Hamlin and his crew.
But rather than focusing on the one mistake that cost them the championship, it’s important to also acknowledge the incredible feat that Denny Hamlin and his team achieved this season. With seven wins and 20 top-five finishes, they were consistently one of the strongest teams on the track, and that is no easy feat in the highly competitive world of NASCAR.
At the age of 44, Denny Hamlin has shown that age is just a number and that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the sport. He proved that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level, and that is something to be celebrated and admired.
As for Chris Gabehart, it’s important to remember that he is not just the “F****NG idiot” that some fans labeled him as. He is a highly skilled and experienced crew chief who has played a significant role in Denny Hamlin’s success this season and throughout his career. And just like any other team member, he too is human and prone to making mistakes.
In the end, while the disappointment of losing the championship will sting for a while, Denny Hamlin and his team have a lot to be proud of. They have shown that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level, and with their determination and resilience, there is no doubt that they will bounce back even stronger next season.
So instead of dwelling on the pit stop that cost Denny Hamlin his first championship, let’s raise a glass to him and his team for an incredible season and for coming so close to achieving their ultimate goal. As for the future, there is no doubt that the No. 11 team will continue to be a strong contender for the NASCAR Cup Series title, and we can’t
