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2d ago

Joe Gibbs Racing Defers Hamlin Pit-Crew Suspensions After Bristol Wheel Loss

The team delayed the two-race bans to keep the No. 11 group intact for New Hampshire.

Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 King's Hawaiian Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 12, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee.
Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Denny Hamlin’s front tire changer Austin Maloney and jackman Joel Bouagnon were suspended two races under NASCAR’s wheel-loss policy.
  • Joe Gibbs Racing elected to start the suspensions at Kansas and the Charlotte Roval rather than New Hampshire after exercising a deferral.
  • Race replay showed Hamlin’s right-front wheel detached at Bristol, triggering a caution and a two-lap penalty before he finished 31st, five laps down, after contact with A.J. Allmendinger.
  • Hamlin said on his podcast that pit-crew decisions are the team’s responsibility and that he is focused on factors he can control.
  • Despite the setback, Hamlin begins the Round of 12 26 points above the cutline, with substitute crew members to be used during the deferred races.