Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver and team owner, faced a mix of emotions at the recent Michigan race.

Despite starting from the pole position for 23XI Racing, alongside teammate Tyler Reddick, Hamlin’s day took a turn following a poor race that saw him finish ninth after an aggressive push for points led to a costly collision.

Early in the race, Hamlin spearheaded the pack, setting a pace indicative of a potential victory. However, in a bid to amass crucial points for the regular season championship, he took a gamble during a stage win attempt, which backfired, dropping him several spots back from the leaders.

Reflecting on his podcast, Hamlin didn’t shy away from admitting his overreach.

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Rewards Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 11, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. Denny Hamlin’s ambitious…
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Rewards Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 11, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. Denny Hamlin’s ambitious strategy backfires at Michigan race.

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

“Yeah, I just got too greedy. You know I am trying to do this whole regular season thing and damn points racing and I’m trying to win the stage because that’s at least one point that I can leave the weekend with,” he admitted.

While Hamlin grappled with his setback, the day wasn’t grim for all at 23XI Racing. Tyler Reddick, Hamlin’s teammate, seized the lead, clinching the victory.

“The crux of being a team owner and a driver is that you know you’re going to have to deal with the days that they beat you,” Hamlin said.

Currently sitting third in the championship standings and battling a 28-point deficit, Hamlin’s focus remains sharp on improving his standings before the playoffs.

NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway Results

  1. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing
  2. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
  3. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing
  4. Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing
  5. Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing
  6. Chris Buescher – RFK Racing
  7. Zane Smith – Spire Motorsports
  8. Daniel Suárez – Trackhouse Racing
  9. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
  10. Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports
  11. Ryan Preece – Stewart-Haas Racing
  12. Noah Gragson – Stewart-Haas Racing
  13. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – JTG Daugherty Racing
  14. Harrison Burton – Wood Brothers Racing
  15. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports
  16. Erik Jones – Legacy Motor Club
  17. Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing
  18. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske
  19. Michael McDowell – Front Row Motorsports
  20. Justin Haley – Rick Ware Racing
  21. Cody Ware – Rick Ware Racing
  22. Josh Berry – Stewart-Haas Racing
  23. Daniel Hemric – Kaulig Racing
  24. Martin Truex Jr – Joe Gibbs Racing
  25. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing
  26. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing
  27. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
  28. Austin Cindric – Team Penske
  29. John H. Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club
  30. AJ Allmendinger – Kaulig Racing
  31. Chase Briscoe – Stewart-Haas Racing – Suspended
  32. Corey LaJoie – Spire Motorsports – DNF
  33. Joey Logano – Team Penske – DNF
  34. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports – DNF
  35. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing – DNF
  36. Todd Gilliland – Front Row Motorsports – DNF