P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why Hamlin had to catch his breath after a 700th NASCAR Cup race
Denny Hamlin matched NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon for the best finish ever by a Cup driver making their 700th career start, placing third at Nashville, becoming the 22nd driver to reach this milestone.
During the race, Hamlin faced challenges as the air hose to his helmet became disconnected, causing extreme heat inside the cockpit of his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.
Hamlin, lacking a cool shirt, described how he coped with the heat by running with the visor up to get some fresh air while battling Carson Hocevar and race winner Ryan Blaney.
Despite the difficulties, Hamlin’s strategy focused on going long, hoping for a caution or fresher tires, but he got jumped by Hocevar due to the track conditions causing limited passing opportunities.
Additionally, Hamlin faced uncertainty if he would race as he awaited the birth of his third child with partner Jordan Fish, but he managed to complete the race, winning Stage 1 and leading a total of 79 laps.
