CONCORD, N.C. — The Coca-Cola 600 is known for being NASCAR's longest and most grueling race, and the agony that Denny Hamlin suffered Sunday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway was proof of that.
Late in the race, Hamlin reported feeling ill and complained of a migraine. He was taken to the infield care center after the race, and team owner Joe Gibbs said his driver was dehydrated, was given an IV and was feeling better after the treatment.
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“It’s tough, I was borderline throwing up trying to race for the lead," Hamlin said. "I think the dehydration led to a migraine and just felt nauseous the last 100 laps or so."
Hamlin blamed himself for the lack of hydration, saying on his off-day before the race he played 36 holes of golf and a full tennis match.
"Probably over did it a little bit this weekend," Hamlin said. "Thank goodness, that didn’t cost us the win."
Hamlin, who was seeking to become the eighth driver in NASCAR history to win both May Charlotte races led 53 laps on the night but was forced to pit while leading with 38 laps to go, because of a loose wheel. He finished in eighth.
Carl Edwards won to snap a 31-race winless streak.