(AP Photo/Ralph Freso, File)AVONDALE, Ariz. โ Denny Hamlin is 0-for-3 in championship chances, his shot at an elusive first NASCAR crown ending just short each time.
Hamlin on Sunday will try to close his own career-defining season with the Cup title in NASCAR's season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
Chase Elliott last week drove Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports back into the championship race for the first time since 2016.
The 24-year-old is statistically enjoying his best Cup season and advanced to the final four after three previous failures.
The last two times Iโve raced for championships Iโve had no regrets.โHamlin turns 40 exactly 10 days after Sunday's title race and has matured greatly the last several seasons.