JGR defers Denny Hamlin crew member suspensions to future races, No. 11 crew will remain same at New Hampshire

NASCAR issued a two-race suspension to No. 11 team crew members Austin Maloney and Joel Bouagnon on Tuesday after a wheel came off during this past Saturday’s Bristol Night Race. Joe Gibbs Racing will defer those suspensions one week, so Denny Hamlin will have his regular pit crew for Sunday’s Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, per Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

Hamlin and the No. 11 team will have replacement crew members at Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte ROVAL. Hamlin knew suspensions were coming for his team due to NASCAR’s rules for a wheel coming off during a race.

“It’s super unfortunate because we were the only guys on pit road during that time,” Hamlin said on Monday’s Actions Detrimental podcast. “There was no indication, no heads up or anything. If it was loose leading the pit stall, but I’m not sure. I don’t have an answer of how or why, but more than likely.”

Denny Hamlin sits atop playoff standings going into New Hampshire

Hamlin explained how his No. 11 Toyota lost a wheel: “All I know is I went into Turn 3, I felt something kind of weird off of Turn 2 where I felt like I turned the wheel, and the thing was hanging. I was like, ‘What the hell? Am I having another major tight moment?’ … It was only a couple of laps into that run. I just went in Turn 3, the car went straight, wiped out AJ [Allmendinger]. I don’t know who else got in it, but then I was riding on three tires.”

Hamlin wasn’t much of a factor in the tire wear race at Bristol. He finished P31 but after his win the previous week at Gateway, he was in no danger of being eliminated from the playoffs. The points have reset for the Round of 12 and Hamlin will begin No. 1 in the playoff standings, +26 above the cutline.

Hamlin is looking to capture his first career Cup Series championship. With a series-leading five victories this season, Hamlin is one of the favorites.