JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR suspended Denny Hamlin’s crew chief and car chief on Tuesday for six races because the Joe Gibbs Racing entry failed inspection following his third-place finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Darian Grubb and Wesley Sherrill were both suspended through the Sept. 6 race at Richmond. They are not eligible to return until the opening race for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, Sept. 14 at Chicago.
Grubb was also fined $125,000.
Hamlin and team owner Joe Gibbs were both also docked 75 points in the driver and owner standings. It dropped Hamlin from 11th to 21st in the Sprint Cup standings. But, as a race winner already this season, Hamlin is likely guaranteed a spot in the 16-driver Chase field.
Hamlin’s car failed post-race inspection Sunday because NASCAR said it found issues with several of the covers in the rear firewall of the driver compartment. Loose or missing covers could vent the driver compartment and create more downforce for the car.
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