Denny Hamlin secured his third victory of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season at the Würth 400 at Dover International Speedway. Hamlin made a strategic move to block off Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman after a pit stop, and took the lead after a crash involving Christopher Bell, William Byron, and Bubba Wallace. Despite Larson closing in with 16 laps to go, Hamlin held his ground and claimed the win, his 54th career victory, tying him with Lee Petty for 12th all-time. Hamlin expressed gratitude towards his team and supporters for their part in his success.
Hamlin’s win at Dover was his third of the season, tying him with Byron for the most wins so far. He has previously won at Richmond and Bristol, showcasing his playoff potential. Larson, who finished second in the race, will retain his position at the top of the driver standings. Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott came in behind Martin Truex Jr. to complete the top five. Other top finishers in the race included Noah Gragson, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Daniel Hemric, and Ty Gibbs. Truex, who won last year’s Dover spring race, added to his strong performance history at the track.
Following his victory, Hamlin reflected on the key moments of the race, crediting Larson’s pit strategy and his own ability to control the restart after the caution. With the win, Hamlin emphasized the importance of his team and supporters in his success, recognizing himself as the fortunate one who gets to drive their exceptional race car. Despite facing competition from top drivers like Larson and Truex throughout the race, Hamlin’s skill and teamwork ultimately propelled him to victory at “The Monster Mile”.
Fans at Dover reacted with a mix of cheers and boos as Hamlin celebrated his win, highlighting the intensity of the race and the competitiveness amongst the drivers. The victory marked another milestone in Hamlin’s successful career, solidifying his status as one of NASCAR’s talented and accomplished drivers. Looking ahead, the NASCAR season will continue at Kansas Speedway, with drivers eager to secure their positions in the standings and build momentum for the playoffs. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling races and fierce competition as drivers strive for victory on the track.
