Denny Hamlin carries momentum into NASCAR's first off weekend in 2026

Denny Hamlin is carrying momentum into the NASCAR off weekend. After the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway, Hamlin sits third in the point standings behind Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney. However, the driver of the No.

11 car does have a sour taste in his mouth. Hamlin dominated the Cup Series race at Martinsville, but finished in second place after Chase Elliott controlled the pace in the final race. While the Joe Gibbs Racing driver controlled the show, Elliott's crew chief, Alan Gustafson, was able to give the No.

9 car track position with a good strategy call. There will be plenty of debriefing on why Hamlin's No. 11 car wasn't as strong in the final run, but it doesn't change that he has been one of NASCAR's best drivers to start the 2026 Cup Series season.

Hamlin hopes to carry this momentum to Bristol Motor Speedway in two weeks. More: Denny Hamlin discusses heartbreaking loss at Martinsville in 2026 This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: Denny Hamlin carries momentum into NASCAR's first off weekend in 2026