Denny Hamlin Laments NASCAR’s Qualifying Metric After Pit-Stall Drama With Cup Rookie

Denny Hamlin finished fifth at Charlotte Motor Speedway but expressed frustration after weather forced NASCAR to set the starting lineup using its qualifying metric. Hamlin started 12th, which limited his pit-stall selection and contributed to an obstruction incident on pit road involving rookie Connor Zilisch. A subsequent safety violation penalty briefly dropped Hamlin to the rear before he mounted a recovery.

Despite finishing one spot ahead of Kyle Larson, Hamlin surrendered another nine points in the championship battle and now trails by 49 points. Hamlin acknowledged that his Toyota lacked long-run speed as track conditions changed, while commending Zilisch and the No. 88 team for coordinating pit stops later in the race to mitigate further congestion.