CONCORD, N.C. -- Denny Hamlin's second career Southern 500 won't do him any good when the playoffs start after NASCAR announced Hamlin's No. 11 failed post-race inspection.
The No. 11 team of Joe Gibbs Racing
With the penalty, Hamlin will not receive the five playoff points associated with winning at Darlington. Joe Gibbs Racing hasn't announced if they will appeal the ruling.
The violation was the same infraction NASCAR discovered with Joey Logano's No. 22 Ford after the spring Richmond race, which saw Logano's victory no longer qualify him for the playoffs.
Joe Gibbs Racing was also penalized for the same infraction in the Xfinity Series. Hamlin's race-winning No. 18 and Logano's No. 22 for Team Penske were both in violation of Section 12.10.2 in post-race inspection. JGR crew chief Eric Phillips was fined $25,000 and suspended two races. Team Penske crew chief Greg Erwin received the same penalty for the No. 22 team's violation.
NASCAR also penalized the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports team in the Cup Series for a lug nut violation. Crew Chief Greg Ives was fined $20,000 and suspended one race. Hendrick Motorsports announced that Travis Mack will serve as interim crew chief for the regular season finale at Richmond.