now it's mathematically almost impossible for him to catch Tyler reck at best Hamlin might finish the regular season in fifth place which would award him six playoff points instead of the potential 15 he was chasing this could result in a net loss of 19 playoff points heading into the postseason a deficit that could prove insurmountable when crunchtime hits with only two races left in the regular season Daytona and Darlington Hamlin's chances of significantly improving his position before the play offs are limited