“Starts With Darlington”– Denny Hamlin Drops Honest Reality Check on His Slump Amidst Massive Chase Ambition

TALLADEGA, AL – APRIL 26: Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing King s Hawaiian UBE Coconut Rolls Toyota looks on prior to the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Jack Links 500 on April 26, 2026, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega AL. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 26 NASCAR Cup Series Jack Links 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2604262724 ©IMAGO/Icon SportswireDenny Hamlin isn’t chasing mediocrity heading into the Chase. He locked himself into the No.