The No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team entered the race as the clear favorite, with Hamlin leading 208 laps and appearing set to finally capture his first NASCAR Cup Series title. However, a late caution towards the end forced a high-stakes decision on pit road: whether to take two tires, four tires, or stay out. His crew chief, Chris Gayle, chose four, and the move dropped Hamlin from the front row to 11th for the overtime restart, ultimately costing him the championship.

Fans are seeing this just in black and white, and they are hating Chris Gayle for that pit strategy call, pinning everything down to that one act. But amidst all these criticisms, NBC analyst Steve Letarte stepped up to defend Gayle.

Letarte on why Gayle’s four-tire strategy was right

Post-race, Letarte addressed the backla

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