Denny Hamlin started 17th for the Kobalt Tools 500 on Sunday. He showed his dominance all day leading the most laps at 190 laps.

Denny Hamlin pitted from the third position with only 13 laps to go in the race. Others decided to stay out and made it to the end of the race in which Hamlin responded “Usually we have the best fuel mileage,” Hamlin said.

“That part I just don’t understand. I can save fuel pretty well. “But I was never alerted to save fuel. So I assumed that everyone was going to have to pit. I didn’t even think it was a question. Like I said, I did my job.”

Hamlin comes out of phoenix with only a 15 point lead on Jimmie Johnson. Denny is going to a place were he won last year and has always ran strong and commented “If you look at history, it looks good for us,” Hamlin said.

“But you never know what can happen. This stuff that happened [Sunday] can happen next week and you can’t control it. We just hope to have a clean race next week and the best car win. That’s all that we can ask for to crown the champ.”