Blown Engine Drops Hamlin to 6th in Points

After two weeks of frustrating races, Denny Hamlin and the #20 team headed to Richmond International Raceway for a little short track therapy.  Hamlin grew up less than 15 miles from the legendary three-quarter mile track and was looking forward to some time close to home.  

Two weeks ago, the #20 team spent a day testing at RIR.  Returning with a similar setup, Hamlin was strong in practice, easily posting laps in the top ten on the speed chart.  Pulling a middle qualifying position, Hamlin was only able to muster a lap good enough for the 11th starting position.

“Everyone was complaining about how slick the track was,” Hamlin commented following his lap.  “I kind of took it easy, just trying to have a smooth lap.  In hindsight, I probably took it too easy and left some time on the table.”

As the sun set and green flag flew, the NASCAR Busch Series competitors settled in for 250 laps of door to door racing.  Hamlin quickly gained some positions early, but soon the #20 car started becoming too loose and Hamlin struggled protecting his position.  By the time the first caution flag flew on lap 41, Crew Chief Cully Barraclough called to bring Hamlin to pit road for tires, fuel and some adjustments.

“I know it was early to be using a set of tires,” said Barraclough.  “But we need to get the car right early and there is plenty of time to make up the track position.”

Returning to the track in the 15th position, Hamlin quickly sliced his way through the field.  By lap 100, Hamlin had worked his way up to the 8th position and reported that the car was really good.  He also requested that no changes be made during their next pit stop.

The #20 team chose to make their final stop on lap 144.  Several cars stayed on the track dropping the #20 car back to the 15th position.  It took Hamlin 20 laps to reenter the top ten, when all of sudden he felt something miss in the engine.  Three laps later white smoke billowed out of the pipes as the engine expired.  Hamlin would drop to the 34th position, 75 laps down to the race winner.

“We had a really good car tonight,” said Hamlin following the race.  “This is the first engine mechanical failure this team has had in two years and it is just part of the sport.  There is always the reliability versus horsepower factor.  We have been fortunate with a lot of horsepower and for the most part reliable too.  We will take a hit in the points, but we will use the week off to get prepared for the rest of the season.”

With his finish, Hamlin dropped to sixth in the Busch Series points just two points behind Kenny Wallace.