HAMPTON, Ga. -- Denny Hamlin is tied with Jimmie Johnson in victories. Both have won five times. Yet few seem to be giving Hamlin’s championship contention … much attention.

 

Hamlin’s recent showings have lacked consistency. Hamlin has alternated the good with the bad (or mediocre) for seven races. His finishes, leading up to this race, have been 24^th, eighth, 15^th, fifth, 37^th, second and 34^th.

 

“I don’t think anyone knows who a favorite is until four races into the Chase,” he said. “That’s when you really see, you’ve got several different types of race tracks and that’s where you’re going to see who’s showing their cards at what point.

 

“It’s our job to peak at the right time and we’re going to spend these next two weeks giving it all we’ve got, and pretending they’re Chase races, and see where we stack up.”

 

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OVERRATED--Matt Kenseth scoffed at the merit of having “momentum” for the Chase.

 

“I’ve been on both ends of it,” he said, “and I’m not sure it matters that much. It’s really what you do when you get to New Hampshire (first Chase race) all the way through Homestead (last).

 

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KIDS DO THE FUNNIEST THINGS--While Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin was unveiling a paint scheme for four races next year (with Quaker State sponsorship), Jeff Gordon was showing off a special look on his No. 24 inspired by … his three-year-old daughter, Ella.

 

The color combination will “raise awareness” for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

 

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PESSIMISM WORKS--Asked about preparation for this race, point leader Kevin Harvick said simply, “I think you just go out and race like you’ve tried some stuff today and it didn’t work.”

 

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HE WON SOMETHING-- Struggling Cup driver David Ragan won the Late Model race on the AMS Legends track on Friday night.

 

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