Why NASCAR Let Denny Hamlin Defer His Penalty at NHMS NASCAR’s 2025 rule lets teams defer non-behavioral suspensions, letting Denny Hamlin’s team keep key crew for vital playoff races. Aadesh D 5 hrs

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series has seen multiple instances where penalties affected team strategy and performance, particularly during the playoffs. Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota faced scrutiny after the Bristol Night Race when a right-front wheel came off, triggering a caution. Over the years, NASCAR’s enforcement of non-behavioral penalties has often disrupted team preparations, prompting discussions about timing, fairness, and the practicality of immediate suspensions.

For teams, the challenge has often been less about the penalty itself and more about its timing. When suspensions were handed down in the middle of the week, it left little room to adjust, as replacement crew members are harder to find. This recurring problem added pressure during the most critical parts of the season. This i