The will race within the season’s longest race with heavy hearts after the .
The consists of 4 phases and 600 miles in whole on Might 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, climate allowing.
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Ross Chastain is the defending race winner.
Listed below are The Tennessean’s professional picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Collection race at Charlotte:
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
DOVER, DELAWARE – MAY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance coverage Toyota, poses with the a million greenback test in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on Might 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
DOVER, DELAWARE – MAY 17: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Insurance coverage Toyota, poses with the a million greenback test in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on Might 17, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Pennzoil 400 offered by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates together with his mom, Mary Lou Hamlin after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Pennzoil 400 offered by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Nov 2, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) reacts after climnbing out of his automobile following the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin (L) and spouse Jordan Fish depart the Charles R Jonas Federal Constructing on Dec. 1, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jury choice and a gap assertion started an antitrust lawsuit filed by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing group in opposition to NASCAR.
(Grant Baldwin, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 04: NASCAR Cup Collection driver, Denny Hamlin his fiancé Jordan Fish and daughter Taylor Hamlin pose for a photograph on the crimson carpet throughout the 2025 NASCAR Awards Present at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa on November 04, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, and Jordan Fish embrace on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Collection Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photograph by James Gilbert/Getty Photos)
(James Gilbert, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection playoff race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 12, 2025.
(Logan Riely, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 ampm Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection South Level 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 12, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Logan Riely/Getty Photos)
(Logan Riely, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MADISON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 07: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, exits his automobile after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Get pleasure from Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on September 07, 2025 in Madison, Illinois. (Photograph by Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sep 7, 2025; Madison, Illinois, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) hosts the trophy after successful the Get pleasure from Illinois 300 at World Extensive Know-how Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Joe Puetz-Imagn Photos
(Joe Puetz, Joe Puetz-Imagn Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway on July 20, 2025.
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Jul 20, 2025; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates after successful the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Obligatory Credit score: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Photos
(Matthew O’Haren, Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – JUNE 08: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection FireKeepers On line casino 400 at Michigan Worldwide Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – JUNE 08: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates with the checkered flag after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection FireKeepers On line casino 400 at Michigan Worldwide Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Cook dinner Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Cook dinner Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 30: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after successful the NASCAR Cup Collection Cook dinner Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2025 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 12: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Nationwide Debt Aid Toyota speaks to the media throughout Media Day for the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona Worldwide Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Seashore, Florida. (Photograph by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Photos)
(Mike Ehrmann, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denny Hamlin appears on earlier than the CFP Nationwide Championship school soccer recreation at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) throughout the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Conference Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx One Charge Toyota, and JGR group proprietor and NASCAR Corridor of Famer, Joe Gibbs speak within the storage space after an on-track incident throughout observe for the NASCAR Cup Collection Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on November 02, 2024 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photograph by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Photos)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
TALLADEGA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 06: Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx One Charge Toyota, and NBA Corridor of Famer, Michael Jordan speak on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Collection YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 06, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photograph by Chris Graythen/Getty Photos)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Photos)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Aug 11, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) wrecks after the end of the race throughout the Cook dinner Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Motorsports Wire)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Apr 28, 2024; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Obligatory Credit score: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Matthew O’Haren, Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates successful the Toyota Homeowners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates after successful the Toyota Homeowners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Feb 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates his victory of the Busch Gentle Conflict at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Obligatory Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish poses on the crimson carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet on the Music Metropolis Heart in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
(Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sept. 16: Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the Bass Professional Retailers Night time Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
(Randy Sartin, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) makes his approach onto the observe Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, forward of the Verizon 200 on the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the 2022 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the AdventHealth 400, Sunday at Kansas Speedway.
(Mike Dinovo, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Bubba Wallace, left, with driver and group proprietor Denny Hamlin at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Might 28, 2022.
(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) exits his automobile after a second climate delay throughout the Ally 400 on the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful the Toyota Homeowners 400 at Richmond Raceway.
(Amber Searls, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin drives throughout the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway occasion on Decrease Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sept 5: Denny Hamlin celebrates after successful the Cook dinner Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
(Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates at Texas Motor Speedway in 2019.
(Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin reacts as he holds a lobster successful at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2017.
(Brian Fluharty, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin, the two-time defending Daytona 500 champion, gained the primary stage of the rain-delayed 2021 race Sunday Feb. 14, 2021, at Daytona Worldwide Speedway.
(Nigel Cook dinner/Information-Journal)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates successful the 2020 Daytona 500.
(Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Alabama soccer announcer Eli Gold, left, talks with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin at The Locker Room close to campus Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2013. Talladega Superspeedway launched two NASCAR School Packages on the College of Alabama and Auburn College.Prizes got out on the occasion and driver Denny Hamlin gave choose college students rides to class all through the day. The primary 100 college students gained unique occasion passes to a hospitality space within the infield at Talladege for the upcoming Tenting World RV Gross sales 500 and a seat on a constitution bus to deliver them to the observe on race day. workers picture | Dusty Compton
(Dusty Compton, Tuscaloosa Information)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after successful Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Collection race at Dover Worldwide Speedway.
(Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports activities)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
June 6, 2011 – Denny Hamlin watches his second shot on the par 4 second gap on the FESJC Danny Thomas Professional Am at TPC Southwind. He made par on the opening.
(Dave Darnell/The Business Enchantment)
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Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver for Joe Gibbs Racing in prime 10 for all-time wins
Sep 3, 2017; Darlington, SC, USA; Monster Power NASCAR Cup Collection driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates successful the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
(Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports activities)NASCAR predictions for Charlotte Cup Collection race: This is who wins the Coca-Cola 600Mike Organ’s decide: William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Byron is due at Charlotte. After successful the O’Reilly Auto Components Collection race at Charlotte in 2025, Byron led for 283 laps and swept all three phases within the Coca-Cola 600 Cup Collection race earlier than ending second. He’ll shut the deal this weekend.
Nick Grey’s decide: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Hamlin’s conventional 1.5-mile observe finishes this yr: 1st, 4th and 2nd. One other stat: Hamlin has led a series-high 624 laps this season and is on tempo for a career-high. It might be a really emotional victory lane.
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Tom Kreager’s decide: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Workforce Penske Ford
Ryan Blaney wants a win, as does Ford. However it may take 600 miles to get it.
