The fight for the Championship 4 is hotting up in the Cup Series. As just one more race and two spots remain open in the round of 8, speculations have been running wild. With Denny Hamlin still in the running, all eyes have been on the veteran who still has a spot empty for a Cup series trophy. Some interesting conversations have cropped up around the racer with a key figure joining the discussion.

The focus is certainly on Hamlin’s form at the penultimate round venue. This was brought up recently by a certain NBA icon-turned-NASCAR co-owner and analyst. 

Denny Hamlin’s barren run at Martinsville comes to the fore

Brad Daugherty surely knows a thing or two about racing. The ‘Big Dukie’ and his team have tasted success in all three major NASCAR series. Lately, he was on his regular analyst duties on NBC, where he gave his predictions on the remaining spots.

Daugherty highlighted Denny Hamlin’s patchy form in recent years at the Martinsville Speedway. He said, “He has been good there in the past but he hasn’t won there in over, what, six or seven years.” It looks like Hamlin will have to really push his luck at Martinsville given that his last victory lap visit at the track came in 2015.

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Though Martinsville might not be Hamlin’s best, Brad “Hooch” Daugherty still backed the veteran!

“His year has been outstanding. He’s really been tough, week in and week out. I would be surprised if Denny doesn’t have a great day,” he said. 

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This was not all though. While Denny was among Daugherty’s pick for the final four, but there was one other driver who he thought viewers should keep an eye on!

Brad Daugherty backs “fast” Blaney to put behind past setbacks

Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney is certainly in the good books of Daugherty. This year’s winner at Talladega was appreciated for showcasing blistering pace. Daugherty commented, “I mean Ryan Blaney has been so fast. Maybe this is the year he gets above and beyond and doesn’t get disappointed and not make it to the final 4.”

Hope might not be lost for Blaney as the young driver already boasts seven Top5 finishes in 15 races at Martinsville. The prodigy will certainly take Daugherty’s confidence in him, to the impending race. 

Watch this Story: Blaney’s Triumph Amidst Hamlin’s Tactics

Having made his predictions, Daugherty still concluded by somewhat sitting on the fence. He quipped a “maybe” right at the end. With the unpredictable nature of the tracks, even the likes of Brad Daugherty know anything can happen on the track.

Will Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney be the final two faces in the Championship race? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!