Hamlin Wins at Dover, Larson Closes in on Victory

Denny Hamlin earned his third win of the season at Dover Motor Speedway, holding off a late charge from Kyle Larson to secure the victory.

Dover Motor Speedway has been a happy hunting ground for Denny Hamlin, and the veteran driver proved it once again on Sunday. Hamlin led a race-high 136 laps and held off a late challenge from Kyle Larson to claim his 54th career victory, tying him with Lee Petty for 12th on the all-time Cup list.

Hamlin's victory was a testament to his skill and the strength of his Joe Gibbs Racing team. He was dominant throughout the race, leading early and often. However, Larson, one of the sport's brightest young stars, made a late charge and nearly caught Hamlin in the closing laps.

"I would say it's probably the most competitive that I've been to start a season," Hamlin said after the race. "I'm so focused on what I can do to be faster in general."

Larson, who finished second, was impressed by Hamlin's performance.

"He was just really good today," Larson said. "He didn't make any mistakes. He was fast all day long."

The race at Dover was also marked by some frustration for other drivers. Ryan Preece was forced to retire early from the race after experiencing small fires in his car. Preece expressed concern about the potential for a catastrophic fire.

"I was worried that an oil line or something would melt and then the whole car gets engulfed in fire and I don't want to be trapped in there having that happen, so I pulled off," Preece said.

Other contenders, such as William Byron, Bubba Wallace, and Christopher Bell, were also involved in a wreck in the final stage of the race.

"We were rolling on the bottom and something happened up top," Byron said. "The No. 23 [of Wallace] got spun across the track and we were there."

Bell was similarly frustrated.

"We will just go on to Kansas [next week] where hopefully, we are not around any squirrels," Bell said.

In a surprise announcement before the race, it was revealed that FOX Sports analyst Kevin Harvick would practice and qualify Larson's car for the all-star race. Harvick, a 60-time Cup winner who retired after last season, will not be allowed to compete in the all-star event, but his experience and knowledge will be invaluable to Larson's team.

"I wasn't surprised that he said yes because who wouldn't want to say they got to drive a Hendrick Motorsports Cup car," Larson said. "I wasn't surprised. Just happy. ... I'm excited to have him be a part of our team for a practice session."

The pairing of Harvick and Larson crew chief Cliff Daniels is sure to be an intriguing one, as both men are known for their intensity and competitive nature.

"I think Harvick softened up with age, so I would say Cliff for sure," Larson said with a laugh.