The Last Time Denny Hamlin Got Disqualified for Technical Infringements

Earlier on Sunday, it was heartbreak for Joe Gibbs Racing at the Pocono Raceway. This was because, while Denny Hamlin led a JGR 1-2, both he and Kyle Busch were later disqualified on technical grounds.

However, it is worth mentioning that this is not the first time that Hamlin faced this situation in the Cup Series.

Back in 2017 at the Southern 500, the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver triumphed. Unfortunately, his joy was short-lived because a post-race inspection unearthed an illegal rear suspension setup. Admittedly, the punishment was a bit different, as he was allowed to keep the victory.

On the other hand, he could not keep the five playoff points earned at the Darlington Raceway.

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What other punishments did Denny Hamlin face during that race?

Other punishments included his crew chief Mike Wheeler being suspended for two races. Furthermore, he lost 25 championship points and Wheeler copped a $50,000 fine for the infringement.

According to a statement, “the No. 11 team did not adhere to the following: the Truck trailing arm spacer/pinion angle shim mating surfaces must be planar and must be in complete contact with corresponding mating surfaces at all points and at all times.”

On the bright side for Hamlin, he had already qualified for the 2017 Cup Series playoffs. To be precise, his New Hampshire victory ensured that he progressed through to the Playoff stage. Apparently, it was the closest that NASCAR ever came to disqualifying a race winner who failed post-race inspection.

Joe Gibbs Racing elected to not appeal the penalties and Chris Gabehart took over crew chief duties temporarily. It is also worth noting that Hamlin was not the only victim, as Dale Earnhardt Jr also faced a penalty.

His crew chief Greg Ives was suspended for the upcoming Richmond race weekend. This was because of a missing lug nut meant that he was fined $20,000.

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