Denny Hamlin issues letter, post Phoenix

Denny Hamlin’s thoughts on Phoenix Raceway

Heading into Phoenix, Denny Hamlin didn’t expect retaliation.

“I’m not worried,” Hamlin stated before the Phoenix race. “Everyone up front is professionals and we all have the one job to do. That’s to win.”

But, it happened. Not in a dump-n-run fashion. Chase Elliott just raced Denny hard and refused to give an inch.

Related: Chase Elliott vs Denny Hamlin at Phoenix Raceway (video)

Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin at Phoenix Raceway
Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin at Phoenix Raceway

Coming off turn 4, Chase made a slight turn to the right. He was purposely crowding Hamlin. He probably didn’t intend to wreck him, maybe he did.

Denny Hamlin thinks he did. He stated, “It’s part of racing. I got into him, he chose to retaliate. I’m in the garage and that’s the way it is.”

Related: Denny Hamlin vs Chase Elliott at Martinsville (video)

Either way, 10 laps later, Hamlin was sent into the wall with a flat tire. The contact with Elliott was the cause and the net result was a trip to the wall, excluding a ticket Homestead.

On the flight home, Hamlin published a letter…

Denny Hamlin at Phoenix Raceway
AVONDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, leads a pack of cars during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Can-Am 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 12, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Denny Hamlin Letter
Phoenix Raceway

“Had such a great day going when circumstances ended our day badly and like that our run at a championship is over,” Denny Hamlin opened his letter via twitter.

“On the flight back I was pretty mad and dejected but then the flight home came and Taylor was running around, full of energy and happy.”

“First my reaction was to tell her to stop it and sit down and be quiet then I realized she had no idea how my day was, she was just happy that her friends (the Kenseth’s) daddy won. There’s something to be learned in all this and I’m not sure I know what it is but I’m just gonna smile, give her a hug and tell her I love the little girl she has become.

Related: Does Denny Hamlin expect retaliation at Phoenix?

Links

Chase Elliott | Denny Hamlin | Martinsville Speedway | Phoenix Raceway | NASCAR

Categories

Tags