Hamlin gets crew chief Grubb back for start of Chase

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) Denny Hamlin got his crew chief back for the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship and he's hopeful Darian Grubb spent his six weeks away building him fast race cars.

Grubb was suspended by NASCAR after Hamlin's third-place finish at Indianapolis because the car failed inspection.

Joe Gibbs Racing initially said it would appeal the penalty, which included a $125,000 fine for Grubb, but then decided to have him serve the six-race suspension and return in time for the opening round of the Chase on Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway.

Hamlin is the ninth seed in the 16-driver Chase field, and said Grubb has spent his time away from the track preparing the No. 11 team for the Chase.