“First round exit coming for Chuckles” - NASCAR fans perplexed by Denny Hamlin’s strategy at the Atlanta playoff race

NASCAR fans were confused by Denny Hamlin’s strategy during the playoff race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Hamlin, driving the No. 11 Toyota, started last Sunday's race at 38th place after he faced engine issues during qualifying. He spent most of the 400-mile race at the rear, possibly to avoid crashes on the unpredictable track.

However, his strategy failed as he was caught in a final-lap wreck. The 43-year-old ended the race in 24th place. This was not the first time Hamlin had bad luck at Atlanta. He also had a crash at the racetrack earlier this year in February.

After the incident, memes about the Joe Gibbs Racing driver floated on social media.

NASCAR fans on X joked about Hamlin’s cautious approach at Atlanta Motor Speedway:

"First round exit coming for Chuckles," said one fan.

"Dude tries so hard to be the main character," replied another.

"Don’t worry, it’s his year!🥴" one fan replied humorously.

Other fans blamed Denny Hamlin’s strategy and one even joked that 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan might have to spend some money.

"I think he definitely should’ve went in way before the end of the race, but he would’ve avoided wrecking if he didn’t get side swept at the very end. He got loose, saved it and then got taken out :(" commented one fan."

"I love how he decided to follow the famous strategy of 0-time superspeedway winner MTG," wrote another.

"It was a rough day for 23XI. MJ will be breaking out his checkbook this week," wrote another fan.

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"Just trying to get through this round" - Denny Hamlin's strategy falls short at the last lap

Denny Hamlin usually waits to make his move later in the race but during the Quaker State 400, he was too cautious.

After the race, Hamlin acknowledged that his plan did not go as expected. He was hoping for a big crash to help him gain positions and was just trying to finish with enough points to move forward. However, on the final lap, he got caught in a crash with Chase Elliott, Ross Chastain and Harrison Burton.

"I thought there would be a bigger wreck, you know. Just trying to play the numbers. Figured there would be more incidences than there was... there were still some playoff guys and some stuff. But overall, I didn't care about what anyone else did, just tried to get 20 points, which is a mid-to-high team finish. Just trying to get through this round, that's it," Hamlin said.

For now, Hamlin is looking ahead to the upcoming races at Watkins Glen and Bristol.