Perched high on the playoff leaderboard after clinching three victories in the regular season, Denny Hamlin undoubtedly had his sights set on a golden start to the playoffs at Darlington. But fate played a cruel hand; despite ruling the roost in the two stages, Hamlin found himself taking a backseat, landing in the 25th spot.

Reflecting on the race’s twists and turns, Hamlin mentioned on his podcast ‘Actions Detrimental’ that if he had secured the victory, it would have been the crowning achievement in his illustrious athletic journey.

“Nearly pulled off the triple sweep,” muses Denny Hamlin, recalling his stellar week halted abruptly by the Darlington debacle

More than just burning rubber on the racetrack, Hamlin’s passions span across the sporting spectrum, encompassing golf and basketball. In fact, interestingly, it was on the greens of the golf court that he teed off an idea, roping in basketball legend Michael Jordan to kickstart a NASCAR racing dream—a venture that found an eager ally in Jordan.

Moreover, Hamlin’s allegiance to basketball is undeniable; he’s as regular a fixture on the court as he is on the track. Reflecting on what could’ve been a banner week, he remarked while talking to his co-host Jared Allen, “We nearly pulled off the triple sweep. It might have been the best week of my athletic career. […] So, we were able to win the golf guys tour, we won the basketball game on Thursday night, we won the Xfinity race, and then poo-pooed the end of the Cup race.”

Detailing his whirlwind week, Hamlin further elaborated, “It’s (the golf team) filled with different NASCAR media members, drivers, and team guys, whatnot. The basketball league started on Thursday. So, I had a gold league on Tuesday night, my basketball league started on Thursday night with breaking news—there’s been a trade. And then we go on to win the Xfinity race, which looks like we are heading towards something great on Sunday.”

But Darlington was Hamlin’s Achilles’ heel. Between pit stop snafus and finding himself ensnared amidst Kyle Busch and Todd Gilliland, it’s a race he’d soon rather forget. Yet, considering the recent ink on his contract, might the week still be deemed a victory? Perhaps not in sporting prowess, but in the grander tapestry of life?

Watch This Story: Denny Hamlin Blames Tony Stewart for Letting Down Slowest Kevin Harvick

Indeed, a triple sweep for Denny Hamlin?

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Just as the clock struck recently, Bob Pockrass, the beacon of Fox Sports, spilled the beans: Joe Gibbs Racing has rolled out the red carpet for Denny Hamlin, sealing a multiyear contract extension.

Over the moon with the revelation, Hamlin exclaimed, “I’m excited to finally announce this so we can put all our focus on chasing the championship.”

While Darlington’s laurels may have eluded Hamlin, staying in cahoots with his cherished Joe Gibbs Racing team and spearheading Team 23XI Racing could very well be the feather in his cap, rounding out his triple sweep. What’s your take?

Joe Gibbs Drops Massive Verdict Amidst Denny Hamlin’s Career Woes