Hamlin cruises to win at Monster Mile
Denny Hamlin returned to Victory Lane in Dover in convincing fashion April 28, taking over the lead mid-race and pulling away to a sizable margin of more than 2 seconds at times, leaving no doubt who had the car to beat as he predicted earlier in the week during his podcast.
A late-race caution bunched up the field, but Hamlin got a good jump on the last restart on Lap 339 to hold off hard-charging Kyle Larson for the win. Hamlin led 136 laps, including the final 72. The victory was Hamlin’s third of the season and 54th of his career, which ties Lee Petty for 12th all-time.
Kyle Busch grabbed the pole April 27, and led the field to the green flag Sunday afternoon. Busch led 34 laps early, dropped back a little and then rallied to finish in fourth. There was a lot of intense racing throughout the day, with cars occasionally going three wide into the corners.
Series champion Ryan Blaney was strong early, leading 47 laps, as was race favorite William Byron, who led 36 laps before a pit road error placed him mid-pack, where he eventually got caught up in a multiple-car wreck.
Martin Truex Jr. was strong early too, capturing Stage 1 and leading 69 laps. Truex’s brother Ryan won Saturday’s Xfinity Series race.
Larson took over and grabbed the checkers for Stage 2, setting up a battle to the finish with Hamlin.
While Larson closed the gap on Hamlin, the No. 11 Toyota held strong to grab the checkers. Hamlin did a fan-pleasing burnout near the start-finish line.
Rounding out the top five were runner-up Larson, Truex Jr., Busch and Chase Elliott.
Larson leaves Dover with the points lead followed by Truex Jr., Elliot, Hamlin and Tyler Reddick. NASCAR heads to Kansas next weekend.
Pre-race festivities
Pre-race festivities included New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, NASCAR growth and engagement advisor, making an appearance at the Miles the Monster statue outside the track.
Other guests who made appearances included Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, who is Miss America 2024, as well as Richard and Kyle Petty, Kyle Busch, William Byron, Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. and Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Brandon Graham.
