kentucky 2011

An engine change during Friday’s practice session would result in Hamlin having to take his No. 11 FedEx Ground Toyota to the back of the field for the start of tonight’s race. Despite the setback Hamlin would work his way through the field and was able to move into the top 20 following the lap 30 competition caution. Hamlin would race his way into the top 15 as the FedEx crew worked to make improvements on the handle of his No. 11 Camry.  Hamlin would come down pit road on lap 153 which allowed him to race on a different cycle than many of the leaders. As the field cycled through green flag stops Hamlin remained on the track to take the lead for five laps. A few laps later he would bring the No. 11 Camry down pit road for his stop and while the FedEx team gave him fresh tires and fuel, a caution would come out. When everything cycled through Hamlin would be ready to restart in the eighth position on lap 210. Tight conditions would persist on the restart and Hamlin would drift back to just outside the top ten, but he battled back over the course of his final run to earn a 10th-place finish.