Chicago Post Race Report
FedEx Team Endures Trying 31st-Place Finish at Chicagoland
Denny Hamlin finished 31st in Monday's rain-postponed NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Series championship opener at Chicagoland Speedway, making two unscheduled pit stops under green for a pair of unforeseen problems in the 267-lap event won by Tony Stewart.
Hamlin was battling for the 'lucky dog' position on the final restart with 50 laps remaining when contact in turn 2 cut a tire on the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, forcing Hamlin to pit road before limping to the checkered flag, three laps down to the leaders.
"It was just a tough day for this FedEx team," said Hamlin. "We had a loose wheel early in the race that got us two laps down, and when we finally were able to make up some ground and get in position for the lucky dog, we cut a tire that pretty much ended our day. We'll have to head to New Hampshire and get the best finish we can."
The #11 machine started 27th in the 400-mile race, postponed from Sunday due to rain, and Hamlin worked with crew chief Mike Ford during the first few runs to find the car's proper balance.
After a pit stop on Lap 78, Hamlin felt a vibration in the car and was forced to pit a second time, falling two laps down to the leaders in 37th place. Hamlin and Ford worked throughout the race's midpoint looking for an opportunity to gain back some lost track position, and were fortunate to have a caution come out right after getting the 'wave around' during the previous yellow to get one of the laps back.
However, running near the top-20 and hoping for a break to get back on the lead lap for the final run of the day, cars were three wide on the final restart and Hamlin was tagged on the left side, causing a fender to rub on the tire, which eventually cut down.
The finish keeps Hamlin 12th in the Chase standings, and he now trails points leader Kevin Harvick by 41 markers.
The Sprint Cup Series returns to action at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, September 25.
