Denny Hamlin 2014 Review
By Richard Tix
Season Grade: B-
2013 was a rough season for Denny Hamlin. He was involved in a wreck that caused him to sit out four races and he missed the Chase for the first time in his career. After going into Homestead-Miami win less he came out the final winner of 2013.
So, many optimists figured that win would kick start his run in 2014. However, that wasn't the case. In fact, Hamlin had another rough, long season where he only totaled 7 top 5's, 18 top 10's (which isn't too bad), and 1 win. That win was important because without it he would have missed the 2014 Chase for a second straight season.
Luckily for Hamlin, the Chase was expanded to 16 drivers and if you win you are a virtual lock to make it. Hamlin did get in and he made the most of the new format. He struggled through the first three races, but if you are going to struggle in the new Chase, it is best to do it early when there are 15 other drivers and only four get cut.
In the next six Chase races leading up to Miami he had 5 top 10's (Talladega he finished 18th). At Phoenix he took the pole and finished 5th to lock in his spot into the finale.
So, after a rough season Denny Hamlin was in the spot to make a move on his first Championship. He did this by running well when he had to and making the most of an opportunity. I think it would have been a hard pill for some fans to swallow if Hamlin won (or Newman), but i think it will become easier over time. If for the first few years of this a deserving driver wins, I think an underdog winner will be more inviting, heck, I think it would be exciting.
As for Hamlin, he went into the finale knowing he won at Miami just a year prior, in fact he had some of the best prior statistics out of the final four at Miami. In the end he came up short finishing the season 3rd in points. It was the third time in his 9 year career (only full time seasons, doesn't include 2005 where he ran 7 races) that he finished the season 3rd or better.
In the end, it wasn't the full season Hamlin was hoping for I'm sure, but in the end he almost got the result he wanted.
No comments:
Post a Comment