Denny Hamlin forced into wall late, derailing No. 11 playoff hopes at Watkins Glen

Denny Hamlin’s playoff hopes took another hit as he was forced to pit road following a spin through the esses during the final stage of Sunday’s Round of 16 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Watkins Glen International.

Hamlin’s No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota went three-wide in Turn 2 on Lap 46 during the race’s final stage. However, contact with Brad Keselowski’s No. 6 RFK Racing Ford culminated with a spin for the championship hopeful, causing damage to the front and back-end of the No. 11 machine.

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The incident was the second for Hamlin during the race and third overall during the race weekend. Hamlin was additionally involved in a Lap 1 incident that eventually saw Ryan Blaney retire from the race and finish in 38th after damage proved terminal for his No. 12 Team Penske Ford. The No. 11 also suffered a spin during Saturday’s practice sessions.

Hamlin entered Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen just two points above the 12-driver elimination line. As a result of Sunday’s incidents, Hamlin will enter the Round of 16 finale at Bristol Motor Speedway in precarious positioning. The Round of 16 finale is scheduled for next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (USA, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App).

This story will be updated.