LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 23: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Office Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway on July 23, 2022 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Denny Hamlin: Pocono trophy and champagne (Video)
Shane Walters
Denny Hamlin is currently the owner of a trophy nobody wants; Suggests it will be on eBay
Hamlin drove to victory lane on Sunday at Pocono Raceway. Just a few hours later, NASCAR discovered an illegal modification to the front fascia of the car. A piece of tape was installed under the graphics, a violation.
Watch the Denny Hamlin champagne video below.
NASCAR handed out a disqualification for the race winner. It was the first time a Cup winner was disqualified since 2019.
Chase Elliott is the rightful owner of the Pocono Raceway trophy. He’s the official winner of the race.
However, Elliott has little interest…
“I hadn’t really even thought about it,” Elliott said Monday morning.
“Honestly, if he wants to keep it, he can keep it as far as I’m concerned. He crossed the finish line first. I haven’t really thought about that. That’s a great question.”
Elliott concluded, “I didn’t really feel like I earned it on track yesterday. If he wants to keep it, then I’m good with that, I’m not going to ask for it.”
Elliott now has four race wins in 2022. He leads the point standings as the playoffs near.