The future of little Lulu, the stray puppy Denny Hamlin's daughters found under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis in June, has been in doubt ever since Hamlin decided the addition to his household had derailed his season. Hamlin even had stats to back up his claims.

However, a clutch performance on Saturday — which saw him qualify eighth, finish sixth in Stage One, finish third in Stage Two and finish the race in fourth — was enough for Hamlin and the No. 11 team to advance to the Round of 12 by 15 points, a 21-point difference from green flag to the checkered.

Denny Hamlin, who has won the past two Bristol Cup races, enters Saturday night's race six points below the cutline.

Joe Gibbs Racing driver and NASCAR Cup Series veteran Denny Hamlin has had a shocking start to the 2024 postseason. The #11 Toyota Camry XSE driver has failed to make an impact during the first round of the postseason itself after being one of the most competitive cars during the regular season.

His victory at Bristol signals a shift in fortunes, blending skill, luck, and resilience for championship hopes.

Denny Hamlin recounts his day at Bristol Motor Speedway as the No. 11 team lives to fight in the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs.

It's just insane to see how racing at Bristol Motor Speedway could change in a matter of months. The post Denny Hamlin Insider Exposes the Harsh 'Truth' of Bristol's Glory Days in NASCAR in 8 Words appeared first on EssentiallySports.