DENNY HAMLIN CRASHES IN THE ESSES!
Three #NASCARPlayoffs drivers run out of room. pic.twitter.com/uFQc8vn5Zc
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 15, 2024
The absolute last thing that Denny Hamlin needed Sunday at Watkins Glen International, was an on-track issue, entering the second race of the Round of 16 just two points above the cutline.
With 42 laps remaining in the Go Bowling at The Glen, Hamlin hasn’t had a single on-track incident… he’s now had two, after crashing in the esses at the beginning of the race’s final stage.
At a portion of the track only wide enough for two racecars (if you’re lucky), Hamlin was on the outside of a three-wide situation with fellow NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs drivers Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin.
The No. 11 FedEx Toyota Camry XSE backed into the guardrail in the esses, before spinning around and smacking the front end of his racecar against it, as well.
It’s the second incident of the afternoon for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, after the No. 11 got significant damage in a multi-car accident on the opening lap, which took out fellow post-season contender Ryan Blaney.
Hamlin was able to continue in the event, remaining on the lead lap, but at the tail-end of the 30-plus drivers on the lead lap.
