Homestead

Hamlin started the No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota from the 10th position and battled tight conditions through the early going, but crew chief Mike Ford and the FedEx crew were able to make adjustments to help the No. 11 Camry turn better in the corners. Rain on lap 110 would force NASCAR to red flag the race with Hamlin in the 13th position. The red flag would last just over an hour and a great pit stop to follow allowed Hamlin to restart in the top 10. He would race his way up into the top five on the next run and was the fastest car on the track at one point. Pit strategy would call for a four-tire stop with just over 100 laps remaining leaving Hamlin to restart back outside of the top ten. He would manage to drive his way back toward the top ten over the next 30 laps. Rain would bring another caution with just over 50 laps remaining and Hamlin would come back down pit road for fuel and tires. He would restart 13th when the race would restart with 37 to go and was able to drive his way up to ninth for the checkered flag.

Joe Gibbs Racing appreciates all the support throughout this season. The team will be hard at work this offseason in preparation for next year, which will start with “The Great American Race” – The Daytona 500 – on Sunday, February 26, 2012.