Kevin Harvick expressed his admiration for the bond between Denny Hamlin and his crew chief. Harvick, a prominent figure in NASCAR history, showcased his expertise at Bristol by winning the Food City 500. He capitalized on his exceptional tire management skills, as the Goodyear tires used in the race had an unprecedented level of wear. This victory marked Hamlin’s 52nd Cup race win, and given his impressive performance this season, it certainly won’t be his last in 2024.
During a discussion about Denny Hamlin’s recent triumph, Kevin Harvick, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, shed light on a crucial aspect of the No. 11 team’s success. Harvick emphasized the strong bond between Hamlin and his crew chief, highlighting the immense trust that exists between them. This rapport with his former racing colleague has proven to be highly beneficial for Hamlin.
Chris Gabehart, who joined forces with Denny Hamlin in the 2019 season, previously enjoyed a successful tenure with JGR’s Xfinity Series team. Over the course of their five-year partnership, they have secured victory in 21 races, including consecutive wins at the Daytona 500. Their consistent performance has consistently placed them in the top 5 of the championship standings throughout their time together.
Harvick further elaborated on the Gabehart-Hamlin relationship, stating that the Bristol race should have been Hamlin’s second consecutive win. According to Harvick, the No. 11 team deserved to emerge victorious in the race at Phoenix the previous week, were it not for a late-race spin. This demonstrates the team’s potential and their ability to contend for victory.
During the podcast, Harvick also mentioned that Hamlin’s consistent start to the season has solidified their status as contenders for the championship in 2024. Harvick firmly believes that with sustained performance, Hamlin has the potential to become the season’s champion.
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