Denny Hamlin describes meeting with TRD, learning of engine teardown penalty
Denny Hamlin recently broke his silence on being hit with a major penalty that will impact his run at a NASCAR Cup Series championship. While speaking to reporters on Friday, the 43-year-old driver described his meeting with Toyota Racing Development (TRD) regarding the penalty for an engine infraction.
“Tried to get some clarification on exactly how, what, when, and all that stuff. They obviously were very regrettable to have to give me that information when they did,” Hamlin said, per Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. “I feel bad for them because I knew they did not want to have to bring me into a room and tell me we’re going to have something that’s going to affect our season.”
On Wednesday, Hamlin was informed that a meeting with TRD was set for Thursday, per Kelly Crandall of Racer. The meeting was led by TRD officials David Wilson, Tyler Gibbs and Andy Graves, and they informed the Hamlin and the No. 11 team that they would be penalized for an engine infraction. Hamlin lost points from the regular season championship (75) and the playoffs (10), and crew chief Chris Gabehart was fined $100,000. Additionally, Hamlin’s victory at Bristol Motor Speedway no longer counts towards his playoff eligibility.
“I certainly don’t feel any better than I did finding out in the moment,” Hamlin said a day after learning the news. “It’s really hard in this kind of format when you work so hard in the regular season to get all those bonus points. It’s really tough to see them just wiped away, but it’s part of it and we have to overcome now.”
Denny Hamlin reveals what’s next after penalty
With two races remaining in the regular season, Hamlin knows he has to finish strong to climb up the playoff standings and have momentum heading into the postseason. “You have to just figure out what’s the best path forward, and the best path is just to win, right?” he said. “Win and make sure you can finish races the best you can. Obviously, our room for error is gone now, and we just hope to get through the rounds.”
Hamlin has won at Richmond and Dover this year, so he’s clinched a playoff spot. He’s still looking to win the first Cup Series title in his career after winning 54 Cup Series races including the Daytona 500 three times.