![](https://tobychristie.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/denny_hamlin_save.jpg)
Nearly a code brown for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, who is attempting to work his way into the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4. With 86 laps to go, Hamlin’s championship hopes were nearly sent to rest with a must-win situation at Martinsville Speedway.
Hamlin, who was running third at the time, had his No. 11 Toyota Camry kick loose. Hamlin’s car skidded and looked like he would spin out, but the right rear corner of the car skidded into the outside wall, which helped him get control of the car.
Here is video of Hamlin’s nerve-racking moment:
"WOW. WHOA!"@dennyhamlin hangs on to that No. 11 car! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/A5M36jbWeZ
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 23, 2022
With the slip-up, Hamlin dropped two spots on the track to fifth as Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliott got around him.