Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr. DNF in final stage at Homestead-Miami Speedway

While racing hard with Ryan Blaney late in the NASCAR 4EVER 400, Denny Hamlin lost steering and went right into the wall. Hamlin’s car is done for the day, and not only is he done, so is his teammate. Martin Truex Jr. blew his engine about the same time Hamlin wrecked.

Both Joe Gibbs Racing drivers are going to be done for the day. Denny Hamlin had a real shot at winning this race and getting himself into a good points position, at least. Now, he’s going to watch this race from the garage and hope that he can advance after Martinsville.

Martin Truex Jr. struggled all day and this is a disappointing end to their Homestead-Miami race. That’s the NASCAR Playoffs for you!

Remind me again why this isn’t the championship track?

Denny Hamlin HITS THE WALL!#NASCARPlayoffs | NBC pic.twitter.com/HQSN5LbBb5

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 22, 2023

Here is Truex Jr. smoking his engine on his way to pit road. His team couldn’t fix the issues and he was a DNF as well.

More #NASCARPlayoffs drama!

A mechanical issue ends @MartinTruex_Jr's day! pic.twitter.com/7cwyl72iJk

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 22, 2023

Both Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. will be below the cutline going into Martinsville. This feels like deja vu for the 11 team, I’m sure. Just when they think it is their best shot at winning a championship, something like this throws a wrench into the entire plan.

As for Truex Jr., more frustration. He has not had a clean race all playoffs. Even his top-10 last week could have been a top-5 or better if his team didn’t make a poor pit call. Things just haven’t worked out for this 19-team whatsoever.

Denny Hamlin will have a lot to say about this

Tomorrow when Denny Hamlin records that Actions Detrimental podcast, I’m sure he’ll have a lot to say. Hamlin has been open about his struggles, but lately it has been mostly good news. Now, things get much tougher heading to Martinsville.

Of course, that isn’t the worst thing ever. Hamlin likes Martinsville. He’s won there multiple times and should be a favorite for next weekend’s race. However, you have to run the race. Nothing is guaranteed as we all saw today with Hamlin and Truex Jr.

Hamlin’s season is going to come down to next week. Plain and simple. He’s called this one of his best shots ever, now he has to do his best to save that hope.

When Hamlin was running well today, I thought he could get himself a top-5. Not sure he had winning speed all day. However, I didn’t see a late steering issue taking him out of this race late. No one did.

Can Denny Hamlin make the Phoenix championship race?