Via FedEx Racing

A promising start to Monday’s rain-postponed NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International turned scary on Lap 66, as Denny Hamlin walked away from a head-on collision into the retaining wall outside the first turn.

Hamlin started 42nd in the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota after a qualifying spin on Saturday, but a fast race car and perfect fuel strategy put him on the cusp of the top-10 for the final third of the 92-lap event, won by Marcos Ambrose. Good on gas for the remainder of the event, Hamlin was primed for a top-five result. However, an issue on the #11 machine heading down the front straightaway prohibited Hamlin’s ability to slow down for the first turn, resulting in a spectacular shunt into the tire barrier. Hamlin was transported to the infield care center, examined and released.

“It felt like it was slow motion for me, but I can’t say enough for all the safety precautions NASCAR takes,” said Hamlin. “I lost all steering power, all braking power and that was about the scariest I’ve ever been in a race car.”

The finish dropped Hamlin one spot to 12th in the NASCAR point standings following Watkins Glen, 126 points behind leader — and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate — Kyle Busch. He still holds the second of two Chase “wild card” spots with four regular season races remaining.

NASCAR returns to action at Michigan International Speedway, August 21.