HAMLIN DOES IT AGAIN

Denny Hamlin secured a third win of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series by holding off Kyle Larson in a tense Wurth 400 at Dover.

Just 0.256s split the pair as they took the finish after a duel at the death around the “Monster Mile”.

Kyle Busch flew into the lead from the outside and controlled the early stages while the first cautions was caused by an out of shape Todd Gilliland.

Many took the opportunity to dive into pit road where more drama unfolded as Tyler Reddick tagged and spun #43 sub Corey Heim after being serviced.

Ryan Blaney got the launch at the Lap 48 restart where Hamlin had a big lose up high, but survived despite losing significant ground.

Martin Truex Jr completed a big charge from 21st to Stage 1 victory which ended under yellow due to a spinning Brad Keslowski.

Truex Jr won a battle with Will Byron to retain the lead when racing resumed but as the second stage progressed Kyle Larson had the pace and led the field home ahead of the next break.

Hamlin made a big charge on pit road when he won a three-wide drag race coming out of the lane to sneak ahead of Larson.

But when they returned to pit road on Lap 319, Hendrick Motorsports hit back by sending Larson ahead of the #11.

A crash for Ricky Stenhouse Jr triggered some disruptions inside the final 100 laps with a big wreck on the exit of Turn 2 at the following restart.

Carson Hocevar spun Bubba Wallace which came back down the track and took out big names Christopher Bell and Byron.

Hamlin regained control at the restart and led all the way to the final three laps where Larson made a late charge.

The #5 Chevrolet tried to get the drive by going up high but Hamlin stayed in the middle and kept his elbows out to take another victory.

Hamlin paid credit to his team performing in pit road during the final cautions to stay in front of the #5. 

“Just a great team, they just did a great job,” said Hamlin, who led a race-best 136 of the 400 laps.

“I think the key moment, really, was Kyle (Larson) did an excellent job executing during the green-flag pit cycle and then we were able to get the lead there on that restart, then got the caution that allowed us to control the restart. 

“That was really the key moment for us and certainly feels good winning here at Dover.”

Larson gave it a red-hot crack.

“I knew when I got within three car-lengths, he was going to start moving around,” said Larson. 

“I couldn’t really do anything. I was trying all sorts of different angles and speeds, all that. 

“Nothing could generate enough speed to get close enough, I guess, to do anything. That was a bummer.”

Photo by John K Harrelson / NKP / LAT Images

NASCAR Cup Series Dover results

Don’t forget the latest issue of the free digital version of Auto Action is out now!

Or subscribe to the print edition here or at selected outlets. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.

Podcast: Stunning Taupo Shines Through the Gloom | Supercars back in New Zealand

We’re back from our weekend in Taupo (Tow Paw), and what an unbelievable first weekend for that venue. It was, we felt, the start of this season, too, despite it being the third round. Andrew and Bruce were there, and PG was on the couch.

Brodie Kostecki was back for Erebus, Andre Heimgartner won for Brad Jones Racing, and Will Brown battled his teammate Broc Feeney for the other win. Anton De Pasquale also won the Jason Richards Trophy for the best performer over the two races – is Dick Johnson Racing back?