Get ready for an eye-opening look at the world of NASCAR! Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing are on a roll, and the stats don't lie. Let's dive into the numbers and uncover some fascinating insights.
The Dominance of Denny Hamlin
In the first 33 races, Hamlin has consistently dominated the leaderboards. Statistician Daniel Cespedes has broken down the metrics, and they paint a clear picture of Hamlin's impressive performance.
When paired with Kyle Larson, Hamlin led a respectable 61 laps, but Larson took the lead with a whopping 299 laps, showcasing a strong partnership. However, when compared to his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell, Hamlin shines even brighter. He has led an incredible 237 laps in first place, outpacing Bell's 98 laps. This dynamic duo has dominated the 1-2 order, with a combined total of 335 laps.
But here's where it gets interesting. When Hamlin is paired with another JGR teammate, Chase Briscoe, the roles reverse. Briscoe takes the lead with 214 laps in first, while Hamlin follows closely with 67 laps in second. This partnership has resulted in a total of 281 laps, highlighting the versatility of Hamlin's driving style.
And this is the part most people miss... When Hamlin is paired with rival Chase Elliott from Hendrick Motorsports, he regains his top position. Hamlin leads a strong 131 laps in first, while Elliott follows with 104 laps in second. This rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to the races.
In another category, intermediate tracks between one and two miles, Hamlin sweeps the competition. He leads the highest percentage of laps run in the Top 3, an impressive feat with over 40% of laps led. In the Top 5, he and William Byron are the only drivers to exceed 50%. And in the Top 10 and Top 20, Hamlin and Byron continue their dominance, leading over 70% and 90% of laps, respectively.
The final category reveals Hamlin's versatility once again. He has led the most laps in second and third place, a total of 1,009 and 811 laps, respectively. This showcases his ability to maintain a strong position throughout the race. Kyle Larson takes the top spot for most laps led in first place with 1,100 laps.
So, what does all this mean? Well, it's a testament to the skill and strategy of Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing. They've mastered the art of racing, and their metrics speak for themselves.
Click on the embedded links to explore more fascinating insights and uncover the secrets behind their success. Even if Hamlin isn't your favorite driver, these stats are worth a look!
About the Author:
Jerry Bonkowski is a seasoned sportswriter with an impressive resume. He has covered a wide range of sports, from the NBA to the NHL, and has a special passion for motorsports. With a background in journalism dating back to his high school days, Jerry brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his writing. He's ready to share his insights and engage with readers, so be sure to check out his work and join the conversation!
