Hamlin Triumphs at Dover, Ties Petty with 54th Cup Win

Denny Hamlin secured his third win of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season at Dover International Speedway, holding off Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr. in the Würth 400. Hamlin's victory propelled him into a tie with NASCAR legend Lee Petty for 12th all-time on the career wins list.

Denny Hamlin's dominance continued at Dover International Speedway, known as "The Monster Mile," as he notched his third victory of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season in the Würth 400. Hamlin's triumph marked the 54th of his illustrious career, tying him with Hall of Famer Lee Petty for 12th place on the all-time wins list.

The race unfolded with a thrilling pit stop sequence, where Hamlin's strategic move to cut off Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman gave him the edge. Later, a caution flag brought the field back together, setting the stage for a dramatic restart. Hamlin seized the opportunity, jumping out in front and controlling the pace with authority.

Despite Larson's relentless pressure in the closing laps, Hamlin held firm, crossing the finish line first. Larson's second-place finish kept him atop the driver standings, while Martin Truex Jr. claimed third place. Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott rounded out the top five.

Hamlin's victory was particularly significant as it came at Dover, a track known for its unforgiving nature. The 136 laps he led accounted for over half the race distance, showcasing his exceptional command of the "Monster Mile."

"I think the key moment really was, you know, Kyle did a really good job executing on the green flag pit cycle, and then we were able to get the lead there on that restart, which allowed us, with the caution, to control the restart," Hamlin said after the race.

Hamlin's triumph marked the first time a driver had won three races in the first 12 events of the 2024 season. His impressive start has already propelled him into playoff contention.

"It's just fantastic," Hamlin said of tying Petty. "I couldn't hold Lee Petty's helmet. I've been blessed with a great race team. … Everyone who supports the 11 car, they're the ones who make it happen. I'm the lucky one who gets to drive it."

As the NASCAR season continues, Hamlin's success and infectious enthusiasm will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats. With more races to come, his quest for even greater heights in the sport continues unabated.