Denny Hamlin's weekend at Chicagoland got off to a rough start, with the No. 11's hauler getting stuck in a sticky predicament en route to the track on July 5. Hamlin, 45, is leading the Cup Series standings by just one point ahead of his 23XI Racing driver, Tyler Reddick.
What happened?
The hauler's driver, Frank Hodel, posted a picture of the incident on Instagram, taking full responsibility for the unfortunate situation. Hodel said he was on his way to Chicagoland Speedway when he turned onto a small county road to avoid a 5-ton weight limit.
Why it matters for Denny Hamlin
Hamlin is looking to get back to winning ways in the Cup after Shane van Gisbergen took the checkered flag at Sonoma on June 23. The No. 11 has four Cup Series wins to his name in 2026, one shy of Reddick's five wins.
What comes next?
Qualifying for the Eero 400 will get underway on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. ET and be televised on TruTV. The race will be on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET on TNT. Hamlin has won just once at Chicagoland, coming in 2015 when he started the race from 29th to take the checkered flag.
Hamlin's No. 11 has not incurred any damage as a result of the bumpy detour. The team is ready to go for practice, qualifying, and Sunday's race. Hamlin's hauler made it to Chicagoland despite its troubles, and the driver is focused on the task at hand.
The Cup Series standings are tight, with Hamlin leading by just one point. Reddick is close behind, and the pair looks locked into the new postseason "Chase," which will start with 10 races left on the calendar. Hamlin is yet to win a Cup Series championship, and this weekend's race at Chicagoland could be crucial in his bid for the title.
Hamlin's experience at Chicagoland will be an advantage, having competed at the track in the past. He has three total top-five finishes at the track, including his win in 2015. The track has not been used for a NASCAR race since 2019, when Alex Bowman took the checkered flag.
The Eero 400 is set to be an exciting race, with several top drivers competing for the win. Hamlin will be looking to get back to winning ways and extend his lead in the Cup Series standings. With his hauler safely at the track, Hamlin can focus on the task at hand and try to bring home a win on Sunday.
The NASCAR Cup Series has been competitive this season, with several drivers vying for the top spot. Hamlin's consistency has paid off, and he is in a good position to make a run for the championship. This weekend's race at Chicagoland will be an important one, and Hamlin will be looking to make the most of it.
Hamlin's team, 23XI Racing, has been performing well this season. The team has several talented drivers, including Reddick, who has been competing at a high level. The team's performance will be important in the coming weeks, as the postseason "Chase" approaches.
The Cup Series standings will be shaken up after this weekend's race, and Hamlin will be looking to maintain his lead. With several top drivers competing, the race at Chicagoland is set to be an exciting one. Hamlin's experience and consistency will be key in his bid for the win, and he will be looking to make the most of his opportunity on Sunday.