Denny Hamlin Wins NASCAR Cup Series Race at Richmond Raceway
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Joe Gibbs Racing had a weekend to remember at Richmond Raceway, with Chandler Smith leading a 1-2-3 finish in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday and Denny Hamlin taking the checkered flag in the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.
Hamlin’s victory came after a late caution sent all the contenders to pit road for an overtime two-lap sprint. Hamlin’s pit crew delivered a flawless stop, allowing him to go from third to first on the restart and ultimately secure the win. His teammate, Martin Truex Jr., who had dominated the race, finished in fourth place after the late-race circumstances shuffled the field.
Despite the victory, tensions were high among the Joe Gibbs Racing drivers. Truex expressed his disappointment, feeling that Hamlin had jumped the restart and used aggressive tactics to maintain his lead. Truex even made contact with Hamlin on the cool-down lap to show his displeasure.
In the post-race interviews, Hamlin defended his aggressive restart, emphasizing that he was not going to let his hard-earned advantage slip away. Meanwhile, Truex, known as one of the most respected drivers in the garage, was left frustrated by the turn of events.
The victory marked Hamlin’s second win of the season, tying Joe Gibbs Racing with Hendrick Motorsports for the most wins this year. Despite the on-track drama, there was mutual respect among the drivers, with even the competitors acknowledging Truex’s skill and sportsmanship.
Overall, the weekend sweep at Richmond Raceway showcased the competitive spirit and drama that define NASCAR racing, leaving fans eager for more thrilling moments on the track.