“Positive vibes only. We’re staying positive.” Denny Hamlin was keen on upholding a fuzzy mindset ahead of the grand finale. The 60-time NASCAR Cup race winner was looking forward to hoisting his first-ever championship cup after two decades in the sport. What’s more, he wanted his ailing father, Dennis Hamlin, to witness the glory. And that’s why William Byron, who was Hamlin’s rival in the final race, felt pangs of regret by the end of it.

Fans were awaiting the Cup Series championship race with bated breath. Once it was flagged off, all hands were on deck for a glittering Joe Gibbs Racing victory. In fact, Denny Hamlin almost did it by being the most dominant driver throughout the race. However, the ‘positive vibes’ turned negative and affected even William Byron’s fold.

The pain of

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