Joe Gibbs Racing heads into the ultimate elimination race of the NASCAR Cup Collection postseason with two of its important gamers sitting on the surface trying in.

Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin are each 17 factors beneath the cutline. The duo had non-related points at seemingly the identical time Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, each leading to retirements from the race.

Truex completed twenty ninth with what’s suspected to be an engine situation. Underneath the lap 236 warning, Truex’s No. 19 Toyota started smoking out of the precise facet and after bringing it to the eye of his crew he was pushed behind the wall.

It had been a tough afternoon for Truex, who began from the pole. He had pace however once more appeared to combat the dealing with of his automobile, notably whereas in soiled air. The group was additionally bit by an premature warning on lap 213 when the yellow flew after Truex had already made a pit cease.

The No. 19 was compelled to take the wave round, which mired him deep within the subject. Thankfully, a fast warning on the restart allowed him to rejoin the leaders. He was working twenty first when the mechanical situation struck.

Coincidentally, the warning the place Truex exited the race was introduced out by his teammate. Hamlin hit the wall in Flip 1 whereas working third. It was unclear within the fast aftermath what brought on the difficulty.

“We tried and it simply didn’t work out,” Hamlin mentioned of his day. “Unlucky for this Sport Clips Toyota group. We actually battled again properly as we speak – only a powerful break.”

Hamlin led 31 laps. He had been battling Ryan Blaney for the lead on the lap 230 restart earlier than falling to 3rd when teammate Christopher Bell handed them each in a three-wide transfer in Turns 3 and 4.

Truex didn’t tackle the media.

“I feel it reveals you the way arduous our sport is,” Joe Gibbs mentioned. “We had such a disappointment with the No. 11, Denny, reducing a tire down. I felt like he was quick. Martin certified on the pole. I assumed we had an opportunity with that automobile. However only a collection of circumstances, then lose the motor. It reveals you the way arduous our sport is as a result of these have been two automobiles that, for some time, for us, have been up entrance.”

Bell was the one Joe Gibbs Racing driver who made the Championship 4 final season. Truex didn’t make the playoffs however rebounded and gained the common season championship this 12 months. Hamlin was eradicated at Martinsville Speedway, the place the collection visits subsequent.

Truex’s common end within the postseason is 20.7. He’s made the Championship 4 on 5 events.

Hamlin’s common end within the postseason is 14.1. 4 occasions he’s been within the Championship 4.