From EssentiallySports · Chionia Libania Colaco · · 1m
Hendrick Veteran Calls Out Hamlin Over Pit Stop Blunder
Steve Letarte blames Denny Hamlin's pit stop error for costly race loss.
In brief
Steve Letarte blames Denny Hamlin's pit stop error for costly race loss. Steve Letarte says Denny Hamlin's pit stop mistake cost him Stage 1 points after a crew member fell over the pit wall. Originally reported by EssentiallySports.
Pit Stop Incident
Steve Letarte points to a split-second pit road decision that caused a safety violation penalty.
“The big issue was this tire right here”
Safety Violation Details
A crew member fell over the pit wall during Hamlin's stop on lap 36, triggering a penalty.
“He was called for a safety violation because this crew member, unfortunately, falls over and touches the ground”
Pit Box Re-measurement
The No. 11 crew re-measured their pit box after realizing the No. 88 blocked them.
“This is the pit crew re-measuring the pit box because they now realize that this team’s going to be an issue”
Lack of Preparation
Letarte says Hamlin's team lacked preparation, with the car's nose too close to the pit wall.
“Being blocked in, this is a little bit of a lack of preparation for me”
Kyle Petty's View
Kyle Petty states the No. 11 team has more to lose than the No. 88 team in this situation.
“They should have read the tea leaves before that because they have more to lose”
Race Consequence
Hamlin lost nine Stage 1 points, now trailing Kyle Larson by 49 with four races left.
“Larson scored 49 points to Hamlin’s 40, so Hamlin lost nine more”
The main idea
Steve Letarte says Denny Hamlin's pit stop mistake cost him Stage 1 points after a crew member fell over the pit wall.
