NASCAR has issued a $100,000 fine and docked major points from Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin and the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 team have been issued an L2 penalty for failing to meet NASCAR’s engine seal requirements.
Hamlin won the race at Bristol Motor Speedway way back in March.
Per the rules, all race-winning engines must remain sealed. They are then completely inspected by NASCAR before they’re allowed to be disassembled.
Toyota Racing Development has issued a statement noting Hamlin’s race-winning engine from Bristol was mistakenly disassembled by Toyota.
NASCAR has removed the win from playoff eligibility. They’ve docked 75 owner and driver points in addition to 10 playoff points.
Note: With three wins in 2024. Hamlin still remains in playoff competition.
Bristol Results: March 17, 2024 (NASCAR Cup Series)
NASCAR Penalty Report
Driver/Team: Denny Hamlin No. 11
Date: 8/22/2024
Level: L2
Sections: 14.7.1.E&F Engines; 14.7.1.1.B&E Long Block Sealed Engines; 10.5.2.3.B Level 2 Penalties and Penalty Options
Penalty: Driver (Denny Hamlin) and owner (Joe Gibbs) have been penalized with the loss of 75 Championship driver and owner points and 10 Playoff Points. Race finishing position will not count towards eligibility for the Playoffs, advancement in the Playoffs, eligibility for non-Points Events and tie-breakers. Crew chief (Chris Gabehart) has been fined $100,000.
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Toyota Racing Statement
“As the engine builder for our partner NASCAR Cup Series teams, TRD is solely responsible for the handling and disposition of all our engines pre- and post-race,” TRD stated.
“Despite procedures being in place, Denny’s race winning engine from Bristol was mistakenly returned to our Costa Mesa facility, disassembled and rebuilt instead of being torn down and inspected by NASCAR per the rulebook.”
“Although we know with absolute certainty that the engine was legal and would have passed inspection, we left NASCAR in an impossible position because they were not given the opportunity to properly inspect our engine.”
“We have reviewed our processes and have implemented several additional steps to ensure that this never happens again. TRD takes full responsibility for this grievous mistake, and we apologize to Denny, Chris, Coach Gibbs, the entire JGR organization, NASCAR and our fans.”
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