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WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – Race favorites Denny Hamlin and Clint Bowyer are among the cars starting from the rear in today’s I LOVE NEW YORK 355 at The Glen for unapproved adjustments.
Both drivers made the final round of qualifying at Watkins Glen International, but did not make a run during the second and final round of qualifying due to brake issues.
Hamlin is the reigning race winner at Watkins Glen, having piloted his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to Victory Lane in August 2016.
Bowyer has never won at The Glen, but he did reach Victory Lane at the series’ other road course, Sonoma Raceway, in 2012 and is typically considered a strong contender at road course races. The driver of the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford also sits on a bubble spot in the playoffs; a win would solidify his spot in the 16-car playoffs.
Ryan Newman (No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet), Paul Menard (No. 27 RCR Chevrolet), Boris Said (No. 33 Circle Sport with The Motorsports Group Chevrolet), Gary Klutt (No. 15 Premium Motorsports Chevrolet) and Matt DiBenedetto (No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford) will also start from the rear.
Today’s I LOVE NEW YORK 355 at The Glen begins at 3 p.m. ET with coverage on NBCSN.