Bristol Post Race Report
FedEx Racing Team Fights for Seventh-Place Finish at Bristol
The #11 FedEx Express Toyota handled its best during the final run in Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, and Denny Hamlin turned in a hard-earned seventh-place result.
Hamlin battled a loose race car throughout the event on the half-mile track and overcame right-rear damage sustained in an on-track incident to move closer to a 2011 Chase berth after the grueling 500-lap race won by Brad Keselowski.
"We did what we had to do," said Hamlin, following the race. "I wish I could race harder and I wish I could do all those things, but at this point we have to have solid finishes. This is all the car would give me today. This is a step forward for this FedEx team. If we just handle business the next couple weeks then we'll be okay."
Hamlin started 20th in the #11 machine and spent most of the night running on the cusp of the top-10. Working with crew chief Mike Ford on changes to help the car's handling, the FedEx team made numerous wedge and air pressure adjustments during pit stops in an attempt to bring the car to life.
A spin in front of Hamlin on Lap 299 forced him to slow down and avoid the car, but the #11 was tagged from behind and had rear damage. He came to pit road for repairs, and the crew worked swiftly to fix the cosmetic damage without losing a lap to the leaders.
The work paid off, and as the laps clicked, Hamlin found himself in 10th for the final restart. The car responded, and Hamlin picked off three spots to finish seventh.
The Sprint Cup Series returns to action at Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 4th.
