During Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Chase Briscoe’s hopes for a successful playoff run were dashed after his No. 19 Toyota Camry suffered a sudden engine failure, taking him out of the race and putting his playoff momentum in jeopardy. The incident marked a critical turn in the NASCAR Cup Series, affecting not only Briscoe but also fellow Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, both of whom experienced abrupt engine problems on the Virginia short track.
Playoff Contenders Stumble in Penultimate Contest
The second-to-last NASCAR Cup Series race of the season was meant to solidify Championship 4 positions, but instead, Briscoe and Hamlin were sidelined within 39 laps of each other due to catastrophic engine issues. Briscoe, who had recently clinched a major win at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, entered Martinsville with optimism, aiming to maintain his team’s high spirits and performance. However, despite showing competitive top-10 speed, his car faltered unexpectedly, causing him to finish last and casting a shadow over his upcoming debut in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway on November 2.
Reflecting on his exit, Briscoe revealed,
I’m not really sure, it’s unfortunate. We’ll go on to next week and that won’t matter anyways.
— Chase Briscoe, Rookie Driver
Denny Hamlin’s Promising Run Ends in Disappointment
Denny Hamlin, driving the No. 11 King’s Hawaiian Toyota, was running second and pursuing Ryan Blaney for the lead when his car lost power, emitting smoke and forcing him out of competition. Hamlin, a 60-time winner in the Cup Series, had hoped to capitalize on his earlier playoff victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but was instead forced to the garage, ending his race in 35th place. This followed a challenging finish at Talladega, making the last two events in the Round of 8 especially tough for Hamlin and his team.
Hamlin described his experience, stating,
I felt like the car was coming to us,
— Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
He went on to detail the abruptness of his mechanical issue, saying,
I didn’t feel anything; it was running, and then it was just no noises, no sounds, no indication. I decelerated into turn one, and it just shut off; that was it. We’ll work on it, I guess, and try to get them next week.
— Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Uncertainty Shadows Joe Gibbs Racing Heading to Phoenix
With his place in the Championship 4 at risk, Hamlin confronts further uncertainty ahead of the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. Despite not having experienced any warning signs before the failure, this latest episode continues a troubling trend of mechanical issues for Hamlin’s crew, led by Chris Gayle. Plagued by setbacks over the last six weeks, the team’s playoff push has repeatedly been tested by unexpected technical mishaps.
Hamlin voiced his concern about the potential impact of these recurring issues, explaining,
I’m obviously concerned, but there obviously nothing I can do about it,
— Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Nevertheless, Hamlin shared optimism about his team’s prospects at Phoenix, adding,
I’m confident in the speed that we’ll have next week. I’m really confident in what this team is going to bring next week and we’ll bring our best, hopefully it lasts.
— Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Championship 4 Set Amid Rising Pressure and Mechanical Fears
This season, Denny Hamlin has tallied a series-leading six victories, making him the favorite to capture his first NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix. However, his recent misfortunes, combined with ongoing technical troubles, have injected uncertainty into his title quest. Briscoe, meanwhile, faces the challenge of regrouping after his disappointing result at Martinsville, with little time left before his first shot at the Cup Series crown.
The four finalists for the 312-lap championship event at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, are now set. Alongside Briscoe and Hamlin, Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron and Kyle Larson will vie for the ultimate prize. Each driver brings unique strengths, but the unpredictability of engine performance—especially given the failures seen in the No. 19 and No. 11 Toyotas—will be a central concern as they prepare for the decisive race.
What Comes Next for Briscoe, Hamlin, and Their Teams
Briscoe and Hamlin’s untimely exits from Martinsville have highlighted the high stakes and intense emotions inherent in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. With the final race approaching and a championship on the line, both drivers must rely on their teams’ ability to resolve lingering mechanical concerns. The showdown at Phoenix promises drama, determination, and, for the victors, a chance to etch their names in NASCAR history—if their engines hold out when it matters most.
