MARTINSVILLE, Va. (October 24, 2010) – Denny Hamlin knew he had to have a perfect weekend in the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway to take a big bite out of Jimmie Johnson’s lead in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
And Hamlin was pretty near perfect Sunday afternoon winning the TUMS Fast Relief 500 and closing within six points of Johnson with four races left in the season. It is the closest Chase ever through six races.
Kevin Harvick remained within striking distance in third after a third-place run Sunday. Harvick gained 15 points on Johnson and is 62 behind the four-time defending champion.
Mark Martin overcame an awful start Sunday, battling back from two laps down to finish second.
It certainly wasn’t a surprise win for Hamlin. He has dominated the .526-mile oval the past couple of years. Sunday’s win was his third in a row on the historic track and fourth overall. It was also Hamlin’s series-leading seventh win of the year.
“Who said it was over?” Hamlin said of the Chase as he entered the media center after the race. “I told you it wasn’t over.”
Kyle Busch engaged in a hard battle with Harvick down the stretch and finished fourth, followed by Johnson. Rounding out the top 10 were Joey Logano, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Burton and Brad Keselowski.
Racing returns to Martinsville Speedway on April 3, 2011 with the running of the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Tickets may be purchased by calling 877.RACE.TIX or visiting www.martinsvillespeedway.com.
From Mike Smith / Martinsville Speedway
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