Both of Hamlin’s Darlington Wins Deemed Encumbered September 7, 2017 NASCAR NASCAR announced Wednesday that both of Denny Hamlin’s wins at Darlington Raceway last weekend are encumbered due to rear-suspension violations. Penalties were issued to both teams. The No. 11 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team crew chief, Mike Wheeler, has been suspended for two races Hamlin’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team crew chief, Mike Wheeler, has been suspended for two races, fined $50,000, and he and Hamlin lost 25 championship points each. Since the win was deemed encumbered Hamlin will not get the five playoff points that go with a win in the regular season. Hamlin’s Xfinity Series crew chief Eric Phillips has been fined $25,000, suspended for two races, and the team loses 25 owner points. Both teams are owned by Joe Gibbs Racing. They announced late Wednesday that there will not be an appeal of the penalties. Joey Logano also loses his crew chief Greg Erwin for two races as the result of a rear-suspension violation. Erwin was fined $25,000 and the team lost 25 owner points. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will lose crew chief Greg Ives for one week after two lug nuts were found to be loose in post-race inspection.
