Hamlin Breaks Winless Streak at Darlington in Playoff Opener

Denny Hamlin won the Cook Out Southern 500 from Darlington Raceway on Sunday night to pick up his first victory of the season.

Hamlin came into the opening race of NASCAR’s Playoffs without a win on the season, but finished second in the regular season standings.  Hamlin ran up front for most of the evening, but he was challenged by Kyle Larson throughout the second and third stages.

Hamlin was able to use pit strategy and a well-timed caution flag to take the lead in the third stage and regain control of the race.  Over the final run, Hamlin had to hold off challenges from Larson and Ross Chastain.

Hamlin said he was glad to return to victory lane at his favorite racetrack.

“I love this racetrack,” Hamlin said.  “Luckily the caution came when it did and the strategy worked out great with the team.”

Hamlin said the finish between he and Larson summed up their regular-season battle for the regular season points lead.

“It’s been kind of back-and-forth [with] me and him most of the year, he’s just been a little bit faster on these types of racetracks,” Hamlin said.  “It was a matter of time; we can’t just keep leading inside 10 laps to go every week and not get a win.”

Larson tried his best to get by Hamlin on the final lap and drove his car deep into the corner.  He was able to get to Hamlin’s bumper, but slammed the wall and couldn’t complete the pass coming out of Turn 4.

Larson said his best chance was a “video game” move coming to the checkered flag.

“We got to the white flag and I kind of thought that I hadn’t been able to gain on him, might as well try something,” Larson said.  “Honestly got to his bumper too quick.  I was hoping he would run that diamond to try and be safe and I could squirt to his outside.”

“It’s good to get a good start, I think everybody’s nervous getting ready for the final ten.  Good to get a good first weekend and build some momentum and some confidence within the team.”

Unofficial results:

1. Denny Hamlin
2. Kyle Larson
3. Ross Chastain
4. Martin Truex Jr.
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Kurt Busch
7. Brad Keselowski
8. Joey Logano
9. Chris Buescher
10. Austin Dillon
11. Cole Custer
12. Ryan Preece
13. Daniel Suarez
14. Ryan Newman
15. Corey LaJoie
16. Aric Almirola
17. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
18. Tyler Reddick
19. Chase Briscoe
20. Christopher Bell
21. Bubba Wallace
22. Ryan Blaney
23. Matt DiBenedetto
24. Anthony Alfredo
25. Justin Haley
26. Alex Bowman
27. BJ McLeod
28. Josh Bilicki
29. Joey Gase
30. Quin Houff
31. Chase Elliott
32. Erik Jones
33. Cody Ware
34. William Byron
35. Kyle Busch
36. James Davison
37. Michael McDowell