Most eyes were on the front row at Watkins Glen. It was an area dominated by Shane van Gisbergen as the Kiwi stormed to another jaw-dropping victory. However, as soon as fans deflected their eyes to the back of the field, they saw a chaotic mess. From Kyle Larson facing early-race brake issues to Chase Elliott’s spotter issuing wrong instructions, problems were aplenty. Then a big drama unfolded as Kyle Busch lost his temper at a rival, Ross Chastain – but Denny Hamlin chose a side.

Ross Chastain has been trying to get back to the top for some time now. After his Coca-Cola 600 victory, Chastain’s last top ten came in June in Michigan. Hence, his drive to perform well at Watkins Glen, the third-last race before the playoffs, was strong – and Denny Hamlin approves of it.

Denny Hamlin excus

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