FedEx Racing Express Facts – Michigan International Speedway

FedEx Racing Express Facts – Michigan International Speedway

Denny Hamlin
#11 FedEx Office Toyota
Joe Gibbs Racing

Race Info:
Race: Firekeepers Casino 400
Date/Time: June 12/1:00 p.m. ET
Distance: 20 laps/400 miles
Track Length: 2 miles
Banking: 18 degrees
Track Shape: Oval
2015 Winner: Kurt Busch

Express Notes:

Press Kit: Download the 2016 FedEx Racing press materials at www.fedexracing.com/presskit, including bios for Denny Hamlin, Mike Wheeler and Joe Gibbs Racing leadership, program highlights, statistics and the 2016 crew roster.

Pocono Recap: Denny Hamlin finished 14th in Monday’s rain-delayed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, battling a tight #11 FedEx Ground Toyota throughout the 160-lap event won by Kurt Busch. The race was originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon, but was postponed until Monday after persistent rain and fog blanketed the 2.5-mile track. Starting 10th, Hamlin stayed among the top-20 throughout the 400-mile race on a windy day in the Pocono Mountains. But from the start, Hamlin’s car suffered from a tight condition, hampering his ability to drive off the corners in order to make up any ground down Pocono’s long straightaway’s. Hamlin restarted 16th with 52 laps to go, but as the field dove in to Turn 1, a car got under Hamlin forcing him up the track and into another car. The #11 sustained slight damage to the right front, affecting the aerodynamics and handling. As Hamlin was getting ready to pit, a caution flew after Austin Dillon suffered a brake problem and hit the wall. Hamlin jumped at the chance to pit for four fresh tires, fuel and some much needed attention to the right side damage. Hamlin lined up 17th for the final restart with 33 laps to go. Crew chief Mike Wheeler made sure the FedEx car was packed full of fuel for the final run to the checkered flag. Hoping to run down the leaders that were close on fuel, Hamlin was only able to pick up three spots as the leaders stretched their fuel mileage far enough to make it to the checkers. The 14th place finish dropped Hamlin one spot to 12th in the NASCAR standings following Pocono.

Michigan Preview: The Series heads to Michigan International Speedway for Sunday’s 400-mile event on the wide, two-mile oval in the Irish Hills. Hamlin is a two-time Michigan winner, sweeping back-to-back June races at the track in 2010 and 2011. He owns nine top-10 finishes in 20 career Cup Series starts at Michigan, leading 158 laps at the track.

Hamlin Statistics:
Track: Michigan
Races: 20
Wins: 2
Top-5: 6
Top-10: 9
Average Start: 14.4
Average Finish: 14.6
Laps Led: 158

Hamlin Conversation — MICHIGAN:

How will the new aerodynamics package play into the racing at Michigan?

“I think we’ve all seen the direction the cars have been going over the last couple years, allowing for more side-by-side racing and more off-throttle time for the drivers. Michigan has been a tough place to pass ever since the repave, so I think this weekend’s tweak to the rules will help provide drivers will the opportunities to get good runs to complete passes.”

Gaylord Texan Along for the Ride at Michigan: The FedEx Office inside the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, a leading team in the company’s annual President’s Club program, will be recognized with its “5518” code numbers on the b-post of the #11 FedEx Office Toyota this weekend at Michigan.