During the recent NASCAR Cup Series event at North Wilkesboro Speedway, veteran driver Denny Hamlin noticed a fleeting opening to overtake Joey Logano, who had been running at the front of the pack.
A Brief Window of Opportunity
Logano, driving a Ford‑powered entry fielded by Team Penske, dominated the race, leading a race‑high 323 laps and showcasing a car that seemed immune to the changing grip of the track. His machine was not line‑dependent, allowing him to attack corners from multiple grooves.
Crew chief Chris Gabehart called for a strategic pit stop on a green‑flag cycle, hoping the fresh tires would give Hamlin the track position needed to challenge Logano while the latter's advantage briefly waned.
The Outcome
The gamble did not pay off; Logano’s car remained the fastest and he crossed the finish line first, while Hamlin finished second, extending his championship lead over Tyler Reddick. The victory ended Logano’s long winless streak and bolstered his team’s performance in the series.