It was the final Sprint Cup race before the start of the Chase. Virginia native Denny Hamlin earned the win at Richmond International Raceway and will participate in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Hamlin felt like he had won the Daytona 500. He said, “I know how special that race is to everyone. But this one in particular, to me, especially after all the heartbreak … it’s by far the biggest win of my career and hopefully goes a long way for this race team over the next 10 weeks.”
Hamlin’s teammate, Kyle Busch, on the other hand, did not make it into the top 12. Busch finished in 5th place, but Brian Vickers, who finished in 7th place, beat out Busch for the 12th spot by eight points.
“We did all we can do. We gave a valiant effort and it was a good night,” said Busch. “We will live to see another day. We’ll go on for the rest of the year.”
Results of Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond:
1. Denny Hamlin
2. Kurt Busch
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Mark Martin
5. Kyle Busch
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Brian Vickers
8. Sam Hornish Jr.
9. Kevin Harvick
10. Ryan Newman
11. Jimmie Johnson
12. Kasey Kahne
13. Greg Biffle
14. Joey Logano
15. Carl Edwards
16. Reed Sorenson
17. Tony Stewart
18. Jeff Burton
19. Juan Montoya
20. David Reutimann
21. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
22. Marcos Ambrose
23. A.J. Allmendinger
24. David Gilliland
25. Matt Kenseth
26. David Stremme
27. Jamie McMurray
28. Paul Menard
29. John Andretti
30. Casey Mears
31. Bobby Labonte
32. Michael Waltrip
33. David Ragan
34. Elliott Sadler
35. Joe Nemechek
36. Scott Speed
37. Max Papis
38. Brad Keselowski
39. Martin Truex Jr.
40. Regan Smith
41. Michael McDowell
42. Mike Bliss
43. Dave Blaney
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Standings after Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond:
1. Mark Martin (5040 points)
2. Tony Stewart (10 points behind Martin)
2. Jimmie Johnson (10 points behind Martin)
4. Denny Hamlin (20 points behind Martin)
4. Kasey Kahne (20 points behind Martin)
6. Jeff Gordon (30 points behind Martin)
6. Kurt Busch (30 points behind Martin)
6. Brian Vickers (30 points behind Martin)
9. Carl Edwards (40 points behind Martin)
9. Ryan Newman (40 points behind Martin)
9. Juan Montoya (40 points behind Martin)
9. Greg Biffle (40 points behind Martin)
Photo Source: Photobucket
