DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 15: Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing National Debt Relief Toyota waves to the crowd prior to the running of the 68th NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: FEB 15 NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602151538500

Apr 22, 2026, 10:05 AM CUT

Denny Hamlin Says Kansas Loss Taught Him a Crucial Late-Race Lesson

Denny Hamlin fell short of claiming the Cup victory at Kansas on Sunday. During the AdventHealth 400, Hamlin was half a lap away from seeing the white flag.

However, a late caution brought out by Cody Ware's spin sent the race into overtime. At the restart, while fighting for the lead, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was forced to take the middle lane during his battle with Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick. This put him in a vulnerable position for an eventual fourth-place finish, while the other drivers gained from it.

On Tuesday's episode of his "Actions Detrimental" podcast, he reflected on that moment, saying:

"I’ve been there before, the 5 car is not going to push. He’s going to try to do everything he can to go three wide. I’ve got to just go down to the apron and say, 'You want to go three wide? You’re gonna go through the middle.'"

Explaining how he has learned from the repeated error that also saw him lose the 2024 Kansas in a similar fashion, Hamlin added:

"And I’ll send you a forewarning right now. If this happens again, he’s gonna have to go to the middle. I will not let him; I will run to the apron or keep him on the apron next time. I will not get beaten low at this racetrack again. I won’t do it again. I've learned my lesson. It ain’t happening again.

According to NASCAR insider Stephen Stumpf, since 2023, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has lost 6 races in overtime, which were his to win had the races not extended.

Denny Hamlin explains why missing out on Kansas victory hurts

Denny Hamlin has had a long and respected NASCAR Cup career. Along with the big wins, he has encountered heartbreaks like his 2025 championship loss at Phoenix and, most recently, the near-miss at Kansas.

While reflecting on the race in the same podcast episode, the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver said, "I took this one a little tougher because I just want to capitalize - I’ve only got like 50-some races left or 60 races left. So man, I want to get these wins when I should be winning, and it’s just not happening."

Kansas marks Denny Hamlin's second win that got away this season. The first one was at Martinsville, where his left rear wheel came loose in the final moments. Such losses feel more disappointing because the 2027 season might be his last, as he has been pretty vocal about his retirement plans.

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yask Kotak