{
  "id": 18760448,
  "title": "Denny Hamlin says Toyota needs a ‘deep dive’ into drought as Kyle Larson eyes another NASCAR title",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/denny-hamlin-says-toyota-needs-a-deep-dive-into-drought-as-kyle",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T18:02:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/autoracing/2026/11/07/denny-hamlin-says-toyota-needs-a-deep-dive-into-drought-as-kyle-larson-eyes-another-nascar-title"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — Denny Hamlin believes his chances of winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship this Sunday are as slim as winning the lottery, citing the recent struggles of his Toyota team. With Kyle Larson, driver of the Hendrick Motorsports team, on track to secure his third consecutive title in six years, Hamlin is focused on dissecting the issues that have plagued Toyota in recent races. Toyota has a series-leading 18 victories and has been a favorite to win the championship since the Chase began, but their win ratio to the championship ratio has been less than ideal. Hamlin insists that the team must conduct a thorough investigation into their performance, stating, \"We have to figure out that the win ratio to the championship ratio has just not been as good as it needs to be.\" This season has been particularly frustrating for Hamlin, as he had high expectations for victory last year before a last-lap crash cost him the title. The Toyota brand has only secured three Cup championships in 20 years, and this season has been the most disappointing yet. Hamlin acknowledges Larson's dominance in the postseason, noting that he won three races and finished in the top 10 in all nine events. Larson currently leads Hamlin by 67 points, and only needs nine points on Sunday to clinch his third championship.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Denny Hamlin doubts Toyota's championship chances",
    "Kyle Larson leads by 67 points, needs 9 to win",
    "Toyota's win ratio to championship ratio is poor"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}