The narrative of Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Playoffs has long been a tale of tantalizing speed and cruel misfortune. Consider his run in the debut season of the current elimination format in 2014. Hamlin entered the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway with confidence, having been one of the top contenders. However, despite leading 50 laps and staying out during a crucial late-race caution to seize track position, a subsequent yellow flag and restart allowed his competitor, Kevin Harvick, to get the jump.

Cut to the 2025 Playoffs, the Round of 8 was marred by significant mechanical woes for Joe Gibbs Racing, culminating in a devastating, race-ending engine failure for the No. 11 Toyota at Martinsville Speedway, his third DNF of the season due to engine issues. It’s been four times that he’s

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