Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin
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Hamlin’s Team Wins Pit Crew Challenge
At the Coca-Cola 600 held at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin finished ninth after the grueling 600 miles of racing. During the latter stages of the race, Hamlin opted to go to the pit lane for fuel. This move cost him a possible top five finish since those who took the top four spots gambled and did not go into the pit lane to have their fuel topped up. While the ninth place finish is enough to keep Hamlin on the fourth spot at this season’s championship race, it was the job that his pit crew performed that drew some attention. His pit crew won the weekly Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge. The win by the pit crew moved them to the second spot overall for the entire season.
The 423.882 time that Hamlin’s pit crew posted gave them the win at the Pit Crew Challenge. Hamlin has this to say about his team’s performance: “It was another good night for the No. 11 FedEx crew in Charlotte. Our team chemistry is really good right now and it's showing in our performance across the board. We are getting closer to that win every week and with this crew I know we're going to get it soon. I wouldn't be surprised if they win more awards for their efforts.”
Winning the challenge means that Hamlin’s pit crew will be taking home $11,000 as their prize. At the conclusion of the ongoing Nextel Cup Series, the team with the most wins will be receiving $111,150. Hamlin’s pit crew is composed of: Scott Wood (jackman), Scott Merritt (front-tire carrier), Dennis Terry (front-tire changer), Heath Cherry (rear-tire carrier), Jonathan Sherman (rear-tire changer), Brad Rothlin (gasman), John Eicher (catch can) and Bobby Christensen (eighth-man). These men provide a good support for Hamlin which has enabled him to perform at a respectable level so far this season. The team changes tires, and refills Hamlin’s car with fuel during races much like one would change,
Weathertec mats on their road cars.
So far, Hamlin’s team has won three races this season. The first one came in Bristol at the Food City 500 held last March 25. During that race, Hamlin finished 14th. The second win posted by the No. 11 FedEx crew came during the Subway Fresh Fit 500 held at the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. During that race, Denny Hamlin finished third on his Chevrolet Impala. With fourteen more races before the Chase for the Cup, Hamlin needs his team to continue the way they are performing to ensure his place at the ten-race series which will determine the champion this season.
About the Author
Mike Bartley, 49, is a professional automotive journalist domiciled in Irvine, CA. He travels from one state to another to cover the hottest auto shows, racing events and automotive revelations. His penned compositions cover press releases, reviews, and suggestions. Where the auto action is, that’s exactly where you can find Mike.