Hamlin Drops to Fourth After Phoenix Tire Failure

Denny Hamlin’s promising run at Phoenix Raceway ended in a 28th-place finish after a right-rear tire failure sent him to pit road with fewer than 100 laps remaining. While trying to control the car and reach pit road, he was penalized for speeding, making him ineligible for the free pass after a caution and leaving him a lap down for the rest of the race. Hamlin had run near the front and scored stage points, while championship leader Kyle Larson failed to score in the first two stages, but the setback widened Hamlin’s points deficit to 31 with three races left. Hamlin said he was frustrated but not surprised by another playoff setback, and maintained that a win could put him back in contention.