NASCAR: Who’s Hot And Who’s Not Heading Into Dover

Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

NOT – Denny Hamlin

With the new setup of the chase, there are many things that can take place that could knock a driver out of contention. Last weekend in Loudon Denny Hamlin experienced first hand what that feeling was like. However, for Hamlin it wasn’t a wreck or a flat tire or even an engine failure that put him in a tough spot. In Loudon it was the fuel intake system on the No. 11 machine that took Hamlin from leading the race early to the back of the pack. The mechanical failure that would not allow the fuel cell to receive fuel is one that isn’t very common. In fact, I am hard pressed to think of another driver who had a similar problem in recent years. The result of the fuel tank issue has Hamlin outside of the top-12 in the chase standings heading into Dover. As if his position in the points wasn’t bad enough, Hamlin is so far back that the only guarantee for him to move on to the next round would be winning the race. Of course if other drivers struggle Hamlin can still advance that way, but he will not have the security of knowing he can finish above a certain spot and make it regardless. Dover could be a stressful day for the No. 11 team.