Analysis

NASCAR Cup Homestead

Hamlin flexes his muscles during Saturday's practice sessions

The four title contenders got their final chance to set their machines up earlier today.

Nick DeGroot

Edited: Nov 16, 2014, 6:17 AM

Copy link

Share on Viber

Add as a preferred source

Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Championship contenders press conference: Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet, Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford, Ryan Newman, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet

Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford

Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford and Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Ryan Newman, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

All practice and qualifying sessions are now complete and all that remains is 400 intense miles of action as the final four fight it out for the coveted Sprint Cup.

Both Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano looked like they could macth the blistering fast No. 4 Chevrolet of Kevin Harvick on Saturday. Dark Horse Ryan Newman trailed the trio and will start mid-pack tomorrow.

When all was said and done, a voice came over Hamlin's radio, confidently proclaiming, "Yep, we're going to beat them." Hamlin simply replied, "Damn straight."

Hamlin looking strong, but Harvick still very fast

The lone Toyota in the final four was fastest among the contenders in regards to ten consecutive lap averages. Harvick continued to show he may very well be the man to beat tomorrow though, laying down the fastest lap in the second practice. He did complain about being too loose on exit though, while Hamlin suffered a tigh condition that hindered his efforts through the center of the corner.

Logano was trying the high line, and by high line, I mean the Larson high line; mere inches from touching the wall. He did indeed brush up against it a couple times as a result, but he was also fast. However, the No. 22 didn't seem able to maintain a strong pace over a long run, in comparison to Hamlin.

Newman's pursuit to be the spoiler

Newman's tumultuous weekend continued on Saturday. He ended up hitting a piece of debris, which prompted the driver of the No. 31 to request a new front splitter. He also lost practice time when a right front bead blower went bad. His times seemed to improve when he had more laps on the tires, which showed up in the ten consecutive lap averages. He is still a bit off from those front three though.

From the editor, also read:

Title contenders take to the track for the first time Friday

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?

Take our 5 minute survey.

- The Motorsport.com Team

Read and post comments

Share Or Save This Story

Copy link

Share on Viber

Previous article Logano is cool under pressure

Next article ‘The Captain’ leads the charge into uncharted territory

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

View More & Comment

Latest news

Retaining Liam Lawson isn't enough – Red Bull must stop treating him like a failure

Formula 1

F1 Formula 1 3 h

Retaining Liam Lawson isn't enough – Red Bull must stop treating him like a failure

Yamaha may not be competitive immediately in MotoGP's 850cc era, says Pramac

MotoGP

MGP MotoGP

Qatar GP

6 h

Yamaha may not be competitive immediately in MotoGP's 850cc era, says Pramac

With rallying back in the spotlight, it could probably teach F1 a thing or two

Formula 1

With rallying back in the spotlight, it could probably teach F1 a thing or two

You Ask The Questions: Jack Miller

MotoGP

Qatar GP

You Ask The Questions: Jack Miller

Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.

From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.

You have 2 options:

Become a subscriber.
Disable your adblocker.

Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here

Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page

Manage Alerts