Engine Failure Forces Hamlin to Back of Grid in Chicago

NASCAR Cup Series points contender Denny Hamlin suffered an engine failure moments after the green flag for Saturday’s practice session on the Chicago street circuit. Smoke poured from the No. 11 Progressive-backed Toyota as the car spun, bringing out an early caution and halting track activity while crews attended to the incident. Hamlin was uninjured and the car showed limited visible damage, but the blown engine forced his Joe Gibbs Racing team to return the entry to the garage. Because the Toyota will not re-enter practice or take part in qualifying, Hamlin must start Sunday’s race from the rear of the field under NASCAR rules. Series officials added time to the practice session to compensate for the interruption. Earlier in the day, Xfinity Series driver Anthony Alfredo also encountered trouble when a fluid leak sidelined his Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet during its opening laps.