NASCAR
Denny Hamlin Hopes for Series-High 5th Win at Pocono
Commonly referred to as ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ one active driver has taken well to Pocono Raceway from the start-Denny Hamlin. Hamlin eyes a series-leading 5th Pocono win. This comes after a dramatic runner-up in last week’s New Hampshire race. His recent stats at the Pennsylvania track have been hit-or-miss. However, expect the 11 to still be a contender on Sunday for the Gander RV 400 win.
Pocono Raceway has always been a special venue for Denny Hamlin and the Joe Gibbs Racing 11 team. Back in 2006, Hamlin earned his first career win at Pocono from the pole. The 11 would go on to the Pocono season-sweep a few weeks later. In addition, Hamlin scored back-to-back Pocono wins in 2009 and 2010. While he has yet to score a 5th Pocono win, Hamlin has been stout in the near-decade since his last triumph.
Hamlin’s History at Pocono
In 27 career Pocono starts, Denny Hamlin has the 4 aforementioned wins, 17 top 10s, an average start of 7.1, and an average finish of 12.4. In addition, his 694 laps led on the triangle are second only to Jimmie Johnson’s 740 circuits paced. The past 10 trips to Pocono have seen the 11 in the top 10 6 times, with a best result of 4th. Earlier this season, Hamlin was 6th behind 2 of his teammates.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had success in the past at Pocono and it’s a track where I’m always hopeful I can get a win for our team,’’ Hamlin said to NASCAR.com. “Our team is currently on a streak of some solid performances and I’m looking forward to continuing that this weekend.’’ If Hamlin is to score the win this weekend, it would be his first Pocono win since the 2012 repave. Hamlin is looking to become only the second driver to score a 5th Pocono win, as Jeff Gordon holds the all-time record of 6 victories.
Recent Hot Streak for Team 11
For 2019, Hamlin has 3 top 5s in the last 5 weeks, as well as 12 top 10s in 20 races. Already well locked into the Playoffs with wins at the Daytona 500 and Texas, Hamlin can go for broke in an attempt for a 5th Pocono win. With the recent speed shown from the 11, Hamlin may be sitting pretty for a 3rd win this season.
One of the drivers Hamlin will likely have to beat this weekend is his teammate Kyle Busch. The JGR 18 Toyota has been lights-out in recent trips to Pocono, winning 3 of the last 4 races and leading an astounding 218 laps. This includes Kyle’s Pocono win back in June, where he led 79 laps. With traction compound being used at Pocono though, any past history may be null and void. Tune in on Sunday to see if Denny Hamlin can lock up a 5th Pocono win.
Written by Peter Stratta
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