NASCAR
Denny Hamlin Looks to Loudon to Spur Late Charge in Regular Season, Can He Win it Again?
By the numbers, New Hampshire Motor Speedway is one of Denny Hamlin’s stronger racetracks. In a cautiously optimistic Playoff position, Hamlin can afford to take some risks this weekend at Loudon. Hamlin hopes for win number 4 in New England to kickstart a late charge in the regular season.
Hamlin’s Loudon History By the Numbers
In 24 career starts at the New Hampshire Magic Mile, Denny Hamlin has 3 wins, 9 top 5s, 14 top 10s, and 549 laps led. Hamlin won this race a season ago for his 1st win of 2017. That day, he led 54 laps, as he passed Matt Kenseth with on lap 267. Hamlin averages a 10th place average start and average finish at New Hampshire as well.
Hamlin’s Chances at the Victory
Hamlin’s 2018 season so far is very similar to this point last season for driver 11. In 19 races, Hamlin has no wins, 6 top 5s, 10 top 10s, and 239 laps led. These numbers for Hamlin are likewise to a year ago. Hamlin had 8 top 10s, 4 top 5s, and 178 laps led at this point in 2017.
In terms of the Playoffs, Hamlin is currently 11th on the Playoff Grid, 141 points above the cut line. Hamlin’s chances of not making the Playoffs are very slim. But he will need more bonus points from Stages or race wins in order to be a title threat. A late charge in the regular season is certainly possible for the 11 team. New Hampshire is the first of many solid racetracks for them between now at the Playoffs.
Toyota Stranglehold on New Hampshire Motor Speedway
If Hamlin is to contend for the victory at New Hampshire, he will likely need to outrace his Toyota teammates. Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr are 2 of the strongest drivers in Loudon, and in 2018. This is in spite of Truex being winless in Loudon. Toyotas have been nearly unstoppable in recent history at New Hampshire. Above all, Toyotas have dominated the Cup Series in laps led and wins at the Magic Mile. As a result of the ‘Big 3’ dominance, Hamlin has a chance to become only the 8th winner in 2018 this weekend at Loudon.
Don’t miss Denny Hamlin try to repeat in the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Race action from New England will be Sunday, with coverage starting at 2 PM EST on NBCSN. Radio coverage will also be on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. With only 1 race now in Loudon, drivers will be sure to battle even harder to hold the lobster in victory lane.
