watkins glen 11

Denny Hamlin had to start his No. 11 FedEx Ground Toyota at the back of the field after spinning on his qualifying lap Saturday morning. Despite the setback Hamlin entered the day knowing his FedEx Camry was fast and that was clearly evident from the outset of today’s race as he gained 10 spots into 32nd by lap five was into the 20th position by only lap 14.  Hamlin would break into the top-15 prior to midpoint of the race. When a caution came out on lap 49, crew chief Mike Ford would elect to have Hamlin bring his FedEx Camry back down pit road for fuel and four fresh tires.  He would restart in the 23rd position on lap 52, but quickly climb his way back into the top 20 by lap 55.  When several of the leaders came down pit road on lap 59, Hamlin would join them for what would be their final stop of the day. He would return to the track in the 18th position and quickly raced his FedEx Camry back inside the top 15.  With many leaders still having to pit one last time, Hamlin appeared set for great finish. However, an accident on lap 66 would change that outlook, when Hamlin found his wheels locked up with no brakes resulting in a hard hit into the wall and tire barrier. Amazingly Hamlin would climb out of the car unharmed but his FedEx Camry was totaled leaving the team with a disappointing 36th-place finish.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will return to Michigan for the second time this season next Sunday. Coverage of the race will start on Sunday, August 21 at Noon ET on ESPN (race starts at 1 PM ET). The race will also be carried on Sirius Radio NASCAR channel 90 and MRN Radio.