Denny Hamlin clinched the top seed in the NASCAR Chase after finishing seventh at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a result that underscores the consistency of his Joe Gibbs Racing program. The team now holds a 25‑point lead over its nearest rival, a margin that reflects a season of steady improvement and a knack for extracting performance when it matters most.
Hamlin’s strengths are most evident on the high‑speed, downforce‑dependent ovals that dominate the Chase schedule. His record on tracks under a mile, including Bristol, Phoenix and Martinsville, demonstrates a versatility that rivals have yet to match. This track‑specific edge forms the backbone of his championship outlook.
Penske’s Challenge on Longer Ovals
Team Penske, despite a strong showing at shorter circuits, has struggled to translate that success to the 1.5‑mile and larger tracks that feature prominently in the postseason. President Michael Nelson has openly acknowledged the need for strategic refinements, noting that the organization has logged only four top‑10 finishes in five races on those layouts this year.
Ryan Blaney’s recent win at New Hampshire marked Penske’s fourth victory in the past six races, but those triumphs have largely come on tracks under a mile. The team’s limited success on the longer ovals leaves a gap that could prove decisive as the Chase progresses.
The Battle for the Final Spots
With several races remaining, the fight for the last Chase positions centers on Austin Cindric, Shane van Gisbergen and Ryan Preece. Preece currently sits 16th in the standings, a spot that could be secured with a strong performance at Daytona, where NASCAR’s new regulations introduce an element of uncertainty due to limited practice time.
Adding to the intrigue, Josh Berry continues to extend his top‑10 streak, a feat that has positioned him as a leading candidate for a Cup Series ride in 2027. His consistent finishes — seventh, fourth, eighth and third — highlight a momentum that could reshape the driver market.
The recent announcement that Richard Childress Racing will retain Austin Hill for the upcoming season removes a potential landing spot for Berry, intensifying the competition for available seats and underscoring the fluid nature of the sport’s roster.