Denny Hamlin lost power in his No. 11 Toyota Camry, which burst into flames coming from the front fender, on the 74th lap of the NASCAR Texas race’s Wurth 400.
Hamlin, who entered the race ranked third in the point standings, caused the second caution flag and ended a string of 21 straight lead-lap finishes. It also ended Hamlin’s day.
Hamlin had reported to his radio crew he had lost power just prior to flames being spotted coming from under the car.
Hamlin said the engine started missing three-quarters of a lap before he lost power, in an FS1 interview. He did not know why the engine exploded.
The incident forced stage one to finish under caution with Austin Cindric in the lead.
