NASCAR has taken disciplinary action against Denny Hamlin’s team after the No. 11 car lost a wheel during the Bristol race on Saturday night, directly impacting the Denny Hamlin Bristol penalty incident. On Tuesday, NASCAR announced the suspension of crew members Austin Maloney and Joel Bouagnon for the next two NASCAR Cup Series races, raising concerns and tension within the team during a crucial playoff period.
The penalty stems from a critical pit road error, as Hamlin’s car shed a wheel during the race, violating NASCAR’s strict safety regulations. Denny Hamlin had anticipated such consequences, alluding to possible suspensions on the Actions Detrimental podcast even before the official announcement. He expressed significant frustration and confusion about the circumstances that led to the wheel issue, explaining,
It’s super unfortunate because we were the only guys on pit road during that time,
Denny Hamlin, Driver. The lack of warning or indication about the problem further heightened the team’s exasperation. Hamlin added,
There was no indication, no heads up or anything. If it was loose leading the pit stall, but I’m not sure. I don’t have an answer of how or why, but more than likely.
Denny Hamlin, Driver.
Crew Suspensions Will Affect Upcoming Races
The penalty means that both Maloney and Bouagnon must sit out the upcoming events in New Hampshire this Sunday and Kansas the following week. Their return is scheduled for the Charlotte Roval race on October 5, coinciding with the final race of the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. These absences come at a pivotal time, making the penalty particularly disruptive as teams gear up for crucial competition stages. The suspension draws focus to the vital role of pit crew members, especially in high-stakes playoff situations.
Denny Hamlin Details the Critical Moment at Bristol
Denny Hamlin provided further details about the moment his Toyota lost its wheel on the podcast. He recalled feeling abnormal behavior from the car, indicating how quickly and unexpectedly the incident unfolded.
All I know is I went into Turn 3, I felt something kind of weird off of Turn 2 where I felt like I turned the wheel, and the thing was hanging,
Denny Hamlin, Driver. His uncertainty and emotional response centered around the confusion and helplessness he felt as the problem escalated. He continued,
I was like, ‘What the hell? Am I having another major tight moment?’ …It was only a couple of laps into that run. I just went in Turn 3, the car went straight, wiped out AJ [Allmendinger]. I don’t know who else got in it, but then I was riding on three tires.
Denny Hamlin, Driver.
The lost wheel forced Hamlin to finish 31st at Bristol, marking a frustrating turn in the race. However, due to his previous victory at Gateway, Hamlin had already secured entry into the Round of 12 in the playoffs, softening the immediate impact of the poor result. At 44, Hamlin remains a frontrunner to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title, currently leading all Cup Series competitors with five wins and holding a strong position in the playoff standings, boasting a 26-point advantage above the elimination cut line.
As the team adjusts to the suspensions of Austin Maloney and Joel Bouagnon, attention now shifts to the upcoming races in New Hampshire and Kansas, where the absence of key crew members could influence pit strategies and overall team performance. The Denny Hamlin Bristol penalty highlights just how quickly fortunes can turn in the high-intensity environment of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
A penalty has been issued following this past weekend's action at Bristol Motor Speedway. pic.twitter.com/lMmopqBa9L
— NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) September 16, 2025
