“Denny’s got this sort of shell, and he says he’s misunderstood… And so we’re seeing this human side.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said these words a few weeks ago, when Denny Hamlin won at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With that win, he punched his ticket to the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. But what mattered more was his ailing father getting to see his 60th Cup trophy, and Hamlin eliciting cheers instead of boos from fans.

So, Dale Jr. was one of the people rooting for Denny Hamlin last Sunday. And sadly, Junior also became one of those who felt deeply for a heartbroken Hamlin. His chance to win the Cup Series title slipped through his fingers. At this dire juncture, the 51-year-old sees only one path of healing for Hamlin.

Denny Hamlin needs a touch of reassurance

Sadly, a late caution on lap 310

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