If Denny Hamlin is to repeat as the winner of the Daytona 500 he will have to do so from the rear of the field.
Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota failed pre-race inspection twice and will give up the 21st starting position in today’s race. Car chief Eric Phillips has been ejected from the track as a result.
Joining Hamlin at the rest of the field for failing pre-race inspection will be Brennan Poole in the No. 15 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet. Car chief Mark Fordham was also ejected.
The No. 12 Team Penske Ford of Ryan Blaney (backup car), the No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet of Ty Dillon (gear change), the No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford of Corey LaJoie (backup car) and the No. 52 Rick Ware Racing Ford of B.J. McLeod (transmission change) will also fall to the back of the field to start the race.
Coverage of the Daytona 500 beings at 2:30 pm ET on FOX and MRN.
