Hamlin shakes off Phoenix heartbreak with Las Vegas win alongside Gayle

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Emotions were heavy after a decision to take four tires in NASCAR’s championship-deciding finale in the Arizona desert backfired and cost Denny Hamlin the Cup Series title that has eluded him his entire career. Hamlin had dominated the season finale in November until a late caution forced him to pit road and crew chief Chris Gayle had to make a choice. Gayle called for four tires, Kyle Larson took two tires to beat Hamlin out of the pits. Hamlin didn’t have enough time to catch Larson over two laps and Larson won his second Cup Series title as Hamlin was left empty-handed once again. It was a gutting defeat that might have broken others. Not the No. 11 team. Hamlin and Gayle...