Hamlin's Heavy Heart Was Healed in Victory Lane

On Monday afternoon in Pennsylvania, Denny Hamlin put all the pieces together for his first win in 50 races. On three different occasions this year, Hamlin has had the dominant car, only to lose because of issues outside his control.

This weekend in particular, Hamlin's emotions were a major factor. A week ago, his biggest fan, his grandmother, passed away. Hamlin said that his grandmother's health was on his mind a lot this season and felt that it took his confidence down.

"Seventy percent of it was because of the family issues and what not, and the other 30 was because we had tried so hard over the last year and a half and been so close so many times," Hamlin said.

Heading into the race on Monday, Hamlin was on an emotional roller coaster. At the first Pocono race, Hamlin was the heavy favorite. However, shortly after taking the green flag, the fuel pump failed.

With the loss of his grandmother weighing on his mind, Hamlin went out and set the pace early. The only time Hamlin gave up the lead was to come in for his pit stop.

Late in the race, many cars decided to gamble and take only two tires, while Hamlin elected to take on four. The choice put him mid-pack, and Hamlin admitted it was a tough position to be in.

"Every lap, I'll be honest with you, every single lap, it comes out. When I got behind, it really started to get frustrating from my standpoint, because I've led many races, I've dominated many races and not won. And I felt like we were about to let it slip away with about 50 laps to go."

Then, his confidence took a major shift when he was preparing for a restart. Mired back in 13th, he keyed the radio and told crew chief Mike Ford "We're winning this race."

Ford replied, "I know."

Hamlin made good on his word, as he jumped to second after the first corner and one lap later made the pass on Clint Bowyer.

When he got to Victory Lane, all those pent up emotions finally had a way of getting out.

Hamlin's eyes welled up, thinking of his grandmother and how much she enjoyed watching him race. It was the best medicine for Hamlin to take, and it was long overdue for a team that has performed this well.

Hamlin now has his confidence back in his team, his car, and more importantly, himself.

His grandmother now gets to watch him from a seat high above the speedway, one that will be riding with him every time he takes the green flag.