Denny Hamlin
#11 FedEx Ground Toyota
Joe Gibbs Racing
Race Info:
Race: Toyota Owners 500
Date/Time: April 13/7:30 p.m. ET
Distance: 400 laps/300 miles
Track Length: 0.75 miles
Track Shape: Oval
Banking: 14 degrees
2018 Winner: Kyle Busch
Express Notes:
Press Kit: Download the 2019 FedEx Racing press materials at www.fedexracing.com/presskit, including bios for Denny Hamlin, Chris Gabehart and Joe Gibbs Racing leadership, program highlights and statistics.
Bristol Recap: Denny Hamlin overcame adversity to register a strong finish once again, finishing fifth at Bristol Motor Speedway after a speeding penalty knocked him out of the lead and sent him to the rear of the field. Hamlin started fifth in the FedEx Freight Toyota and ran in positions from first to 15th in the first half of the 500-lap race. A strategic, two-tire pit stop call by crew chief Chris Gabehart in Stage 3 had Denny positioned to take the lead on a restart with fewer than 100 laps to go, but a pit-road speeding penalty forced him to the rear of the field. Relegated to 15th, Denny and the #11 FedEx team went to work to get back toward the front. Gabehart gave his driver fresh tires at every opportunity for the remainder of the race, including under a caution when none of the leaders came to pit road. The strategy paid off, with Denny passing his way up to a fifth-place finish.
Richmond Preview: The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series heads next to Denny Hamlin’s home track of Richmond Raceway for a Saturday night race on April 13. The Chesterfield, Va., native has three wins at the three-quarter mile speedway and has led a career-best 1,659 laps around the Virginia oval. With two wins to his name already this season, Hamlin and team will be seeking their third victory, potentially moving them into first in the Cup Series standings.
Hamlin Statistics:
Track: Richmond Raceway
Races: 25
Wins: 3 (2009, 2010, 2016)
Poles: 3 (Series-best among active drivers)
Top-5: 11
Top-10: 15
Laps Led: 1,659
Avg. Start: 9.4
Avg. Finish 9.6
Hamlin Conversation:
Despite facing some adversity at Bristol, how did your team respond to secure a top-five finish?
“We didn’t really have a top-five car for much of the race, but my crew chief gave me options that helped us finish in the top five. I’m mad at myself for speeding, but I’m proud of this team for grinding and having a strategy that allowed me to be aggressive at the end.”
How does it feel to be heading home next weekend for the race at Richmond?
“It’s always a thrill getting to race in front of my hometown fans. I’ve been fortunate to have had success at Richmond, and I know my team and I are excited for the challenge ahead this weekend.”
FedEx Ground Northeast District Along for the Ride at Richmond Raceway: For the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway, the FedEx #11 will feature the letters “NEST” on its B-Post to recognize the FedEx Ground Northeast district for excelling in metrics that reflect strong employee retention.
