Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Brad Keselowski start at rear in Iowa race
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 7:03 PM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
Denny Hamlin will start at the rear of the field in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway on Sunday due to a cooling unit change made shortly before the green flag. Hamlin joins Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski at the back after both crashed during qualifying and practice. Both Hamlin and JGR teammate Chase Briscoe experienced brake problems during the sessions, with Briscoe's brake pads described as 'destroyed.' Crew chief Chris Gayle stated that it is uncertain whether Hamlin's pre-race adjustments will allow him to compete effectively throughout the race.
- •Hamlin's cooling unit change forces him to the rear at Iowa.
- •Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski also start at the back after crashes.
- •Brake issues affect multiple Toyota teams during practice.
- •Crew chief describes Briscoe's brake pads as 'destroyed.'
- •Uncertainty remains about Hamlin's car performance during the race.
- 7:03 PMYahoo Sports — Denny Hamlin Sent to Rear as Toyota Teams Battle Brake Problems Before Iowa Race
- 6:52 PMMotorsport.com — Denny Hamlin sent to rear at Iowa as Toyota teams battle brake issues
- 6:52 PMYahoo Sports — Denny Hamlin sent to rear at Iowa as Toyota teams battle brake issues
"Denny Hamlin is going to the rear to start the NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway on Sunday due to a cooling unit change made within the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 in the moments leading up to the green flag. Hamlin joins Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott at the rear of the field after the latter two crashed during qualifying and practice on Saturday afternoon. During those sessions, Hamlin ...Keep reading
"Denny Hamlin will start from the rear after a late pre-race change to the No. 11 Toyota. The setback comes as Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing continue battling brake issues entering Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Iowa Speedway.
"Joe Gibbs Racing changed the No. 11’s cooling unit before the start, while Chase Briscoe faces more severe concerns after his brake pads were “destroyed”
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 9, 2026, 7:03 PMDenny Hamlin Sent to Rear as Toyota Teams Battle Brake Problems Before Iowa Race
Denny Hamlin will start from the rear after a late pre-race change to the No. 11 Toyota. The setback comes as Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing continue battling brake issues entering Sunday's NASCAR Cup race at Iowa Speedway.
- Motorsport.comAug 9, 2026, 6:52 PMDenny Hamlin sent to rear at Iowa as Toyota teams battle brake issues
Denny Hamlin is going to the rear to start the NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway on Sunday due to a cooling unit change made within the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 in the moments leading up to the green flag. Hamlin joins Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott at the rear of the field after the latter two crashed during qualifying and practice on Saturday afternoon. During those sessions, Hamlin ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 9, 2026, 6:52 PMDenny Hamlin sent to rear at Iowa as Toyota teams battle brake issues
Joe Gibbs Racing changed the No. 11’s cooling unit before the start, while Chase Briscoe faces more severe concerns after his brake pads were “destroyed”
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