Denny Hamlin statement on his NASCAR penalty

  

   Denny Hamlin issued the following statement on Friday regarding the penalties NASCAR handed down earlier this week on his Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 Toyota team:

   "I'm obviously disappointed in the penalties, but I respect NASCAR and the appeal process," Hamlin said. "I’m confident that regardless of the outcome, our No. 11 team will continue to fight each week to try to win races, secure a spot in the Chase and compete for the championship."

   NASCAR docked Hamlin 75 points, suspended crew chief Darian Grubb six races and fined him $125,000 and suspended car chief Wesley Sherrill for six races. Grubb and Sherrill were also placed on probation for the remainder of the season. NASCAR found problems with several rear firewall plates on Hamlin's car following last Sunday's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.