NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin. Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

'Couldn't even make a pace lap': Denny Hamlin suffers blown engine during Chicago practice session

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 2:32 PM ET

Denny Hamlin couldn't even make a lap in Saturday's NASCAR Cup Series practice session in Chicago before an engine failure ended his day.

Hamlin will have to race in Sunday's Grant Park 165 without turning a single practice lap on the street course. The engine in the No. 11 Toyota let go before Hamlin could record an official time.

"I hadn't even hit the gas yet," Hamlin told truTV. "I came off turn 4, started accelerating and blew the bottom out."

The @truTV crew catches up with @dennyhamlin following his issues early in practice. pic.twitter.com/1xp5u2x7bI
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 5, 2025

Mechanical failures are beginning to mount for Toyota's Cup Series entries.

Hamlin also suffered a blown motor during the May 4 race at Texas Motor Speedway and clutch issues during the May 11 race at Kansas Speedway. At Pocono Raceway two weeks ago, a starter issue prevented Bubba Wallace from making a qualifying lap, while brake issues bit Wallace, Riley Herbst and Tyler Reddick in the race.

"We want to be in control as drivers," Hamlin said. "We want to be in control of our result. (Chicago) is a racetrack where it's important to have reps. We spend hours practicing and getting ready, and (we) couldn't even make a pace lap before we blew up."

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

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