Denny Hamlin advances in NASCAR playoffs with stray puppy Lulu
- Denny Hamlin finished fourth at Bristol, allowing him to advance in the NASCAR playoffs.
- His daughters found a stray puppy named Lulu, whose presence was humorously linked to Hamlin's earlier misfortunes.
- Lulu will stay with the Hamlin family for at least another week as they continue their playoff journey.
Denny Hamlin's journey in the NASCAR playoffs took a turn when he finished fourth at Bristol, allowing him to advance to the next round. This success came after a series of unfortunate events, including engine failure and crashes, which had left his season in jeopardy. Hamlin's daughters discovered a stray puppy named Lulu under the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and her presence was humorously blamed for his misfortunes on the track. Despite this, Lulu's fate was tied to Hamlin's performance, and her stay was contingent on his playoff success. After his Bristol finish, Hamlin's daughter, Taylor, eagerly inquired about Lulu's future, highlighting the emotional connection the family had developed with the puppy. Crew chief Chris Gabehart confirmed that Lulu would remain with the family for at least another week, much to Taylor's delight. Hamlin, a seasoned driver with 54 career Cup victories, is still in pursuit of his first Cup title, a goal that has eluded him despite his impressive track record. As the playoffs progress, Hamlin is set to compete at Kansas Speedway, a track where he has historically performed well, including a victory earlier in 2023. The competition is fierce, with other drivers like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell posing significant challenges. Hamlin remains optimistic about his chances, emphasizing his determination to secure a championship. For now, Lulu's presence in the Hamlin household symbolizes both good luck and the emotional support of family as they navigate the highs and lows of the NASCAR playoffs together.