Denny Hamlin Is the Championship Favorite. Team Penske Might Be His Biggest Problem.

May 3, 2026; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney (12) is introduced before the start of the 2026 Wurth 400 cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesDenny Hamlin entered NASCAR’s Chase as the championship favorite, and one race hasn’t changed that. But Ryan Blaney and Team Penske are making a strong case to be his biggest threat.Blaney left Darlington third in the standings, just 16 points behind Hamlin after gaining nine points o