Denny Hamlin begins the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with a strong points cushion, but a late-race issue at Bristol has put his team under the microscope. After losing a right-front wheel during Saturday night’s 500-lap event, Hamlin and the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing group now await a possible penalty that could sideline key over-the-wall crew members for the next two races. The team argues the wheel loss came after contact, not from a loose installation.
Key Highlights
Hamlin holds a 26-point advantage above the playoff cutline entering the Round of 12
A right-front wheel came off on Lap 385 of the Bristol Night Race
NASCAR rules call for suspending two crew members after a lost wheel
Crew chief Chris Gayle insists contact with AJ Allmendinger caused the wheel to dislodge
Potential suspensions would impact upcoming races at New Hampshire and Kansas
Wheel Loss Draws Immediate Penalty
The incident unfolded when Hamlin’s car made contact with AJ Allmendinger, leading to a dislodged right-front wheel and a hard hit into the wall. NASCAR officials assessed a two-lap penalty during the race, consistent with the sanctioning body’s strict enforcement of wheel security.
Losing a wheel on the track typically results in suspensions for two crew members, a measure designed to emphasize safety. While Hamlin finished the race, the looming decision from NASCAR’s competition officials could affect the team’s preparation for the next two playoff stops.
Team’s Argument and Post-Race Reaction
Crew chief Chris Gayle immediately questioned the call, suggesting the crash sequence caused the wheel to come off rather than a loose nut.
“We don’t know what happened yet. There was definitely contact with (Allmendinger) and there was contact with the wheel nut at the same time, and I’ve never seen contact like that before, so I’m sure they’ll do more investigating. We’ll see.” – Chris Gayle
Hamlin remained measured in his own comments after the race, acknowledging the issue without placing blame.
“It is what it is. We were the only car on pit road at the time and unfortunately, the tire fell off.” – Denny Hamlin
He added that damage from the previous lap could have been a factor.
“There was clearly an issue with the car. We had just hit the wall the lap before so I can’t look at the suspension and tell if it was broke or not. Certainly, there was something there that was out of whack.” – Denny Hamlin
Playoff Implications and Team Confidence
Hamlin’s 26-point cushion provides some breathing room, but a two-race crew suspension would test the No. 11 team’s depth as the Round of 12 begins at New Hampshire and Kansas. Despite the possibility of losing key personnel, Gayle projected confidence in their ability to adjust.
“We are for sure, always prepared for anything that might happen. But for sure, we’ll be prepared either way.” – Chris Gayle
The Joe Gibbs Racing organization has experience managing adversity, and Hamlin’s playoff record underscores their ability to perform under pressure. Still, the absence of trusted pit crew members could affect race-day efficiency, particularly in high-stress playoff situations where every second counts.
Looking Ahead to NASCAR’s Decision
NASCAR is expected to review all data before issuing a final ruling. If the standard penalty stands, Hamlin’s team will have to navigate New Hampshire and Kansas without two critical over-the-wall members, likely the tire changer and jackman responsible for the right-front corner.
For a team chasing a championship, the timing is less than ideal. However, the strength of Hamlin’s playoff performance to date—combined with Joe Gibbs Racing’s organizational depth—offers reason to believe they can withstand the setback and remain championship contenders.
News in Brief: Is Denny Hamlin About to Lose Big in NASCAR Playoffs?
Denny Hamlin enters the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 with a 26-point buffer but faces potential crew suspensions after a right-front wheel detached during the Bristol Night Race. NASCAR rules call for a two-race suspension of two over-the-wall members when a wheel comes off. Crew chief Chris Gayle argues that contact with AJ Allmendinger caused the wheel loss, while Hamlin cites prior damage. Joe Gibbs Racing prepares to adapt if penalties are imposed.
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