Hamlin’s title hopes end with engine problem at Lowe’s Motor Speedway

Hamlin out at Lowe’s with engine problem

CONCORD, N.C. — An engine problem has ended Denny Hamlin’s race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Hamlin led 53 laps early but went to the garage shortly after the halfway point Saturday night when his motor began to sputter. After looking under the hood, his team called it a night.

Hamlin will finish 40th or worse, and it will officially end his championship chances. He wrecked last week at California to fall back to ninth in the standings.

He was just one of several Chase drivers to struggle at Lowe’s.

Juan Pablo Montoya had fender damage on an early restart and dropped two laps down. Mark Martin also damaged his car during that same restart and is mired in the middle of the pack.