Hamlin Owns Richmond in Toyota Owners 400

Denny Hamlin clinched victory at the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. His success was largely due to a crucial pit stop during the last laps of the race, allowing him to take the lead in a thrilling two-lap overtime finish.

Hamlin, driving car number 11, thus achieved his fifth victory on this track and number 53 in his NASCAR Cup Series career. The race ended with a .269-second gap over Joey Logano of Team Penske. Despite Martin Truex Jr., Hamlin's teammate, dominating much of the race by leading 228 of the 407 laps, he finished in fourth place, behind Kyle Larson, who secured third place.

Truex's frustration was evident, especially after having led 54 consecutive laps before a caution flag changed the course of the event. Despite his dominance throughout the race, a delay in the last pit stop and Hamlin's aggression on the restart prevented him from maintaining his leading position.

The championship still sees Truex at the top of the standings, surpassing Larson by 14 points. This race in Richmond was notable not only for the tense battle among the leaders but also for the use of wet weather tires at the start, a decision that was well received as it allowed the race to begin with only a slight delay despite the weather conditions.

The next challenge in the NASCAR Cup Series will be at Martinsville Speedway with the Cook Out 400, where Larson will aim to repeat his victory from last year.