# Denny Hamlin Falls Further Behind Kyle Larson

> Denny Hamlin loses ground to Kyle Larson after pit road penalty and speed issues.
- Title: Denny Hamlin Falls Further Behind Kyle Larson · Motorsport
- Summary: Denny Hamlin loses ground to Kyle Larson after pit road penalty and speed issues. Denny Hamlin dropped 49 points behind Kyle Larson after a pit road penalty…
- Keywords: denny hamlin, kyle larson, nascar cup, joe gibbs racing, charlotte motor speedway, pit road penalty, stage 1 points, sports, cars, Denny, Hamlin, Falls
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/denny-hamlin-loses-more-ground-to-kyle-larson-weve-got-to-execute-better/10864511
- Author: Nick DeGroot
- Published: 2026-10-12T00:36:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: denny hamlin, kyle larson, nascar cup, joe gibbs racing, charlotte motor speedway, pit road penalty, stage 1 points, sports, cars
## Hamlin finishes fifth at Charlotte
Hamlin earned a top five finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway while Kyle Larson placed sixth.
## Pit road penalty costs Hamlin points
A pit road penalty dropped Hamlin 49 points behind Kyle Larson despite finishing one place ahead.
## Lack of long-run speed
Hamlin said they 'obviously tanked there the last 15 laps or so' due to lack of long-run speed.

> We've got to execute better
## Team struggles with track conditions
Hamlin felt the No. 11 team struggled with changing track conditions after the race.
## Teammates close in on Hamlin
Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Chase Briscoe and Christopher Bell finished 1-2 at Charlotte, closing in on Hamlin.
## Key takeaway

Denny Hamlin dropped 49 points behind Kyle Larson after a pit road penalty and lack of long-run speed at Charlotte.