Misfortune has been a constant theme for Denny Hamlin. Despite starting the 2024 season-opening Busch Light Clash on the pole, the #11 Toyota driver has lost big places on the grid to fall behind in the pecking order. As the clash at the Coliseum continues, the 43-year-old has dropped to P6 in the 75th lap of the race and continued to gain one position to occupy the fifth position.

However, Hamlin’s teammate, Ty Gibbs, pushed for the lead and eventually passed him earlier. As soon as Denny Hamlin was relegated to P2, he was in the thick of the competition, with Joey Logano and Kyle Larson hot on his heels.

On Lap 50, Hamlin held his fort to not turn over the lead to Logano, with Larson closing in at P4. However, the #5 Chevrolet driver climbed up to P2, with Hamlin facing problems in the traffic. With many laps remaining, Hamlin can make his laps count.