By: Mitchell Breuer

Another week, another Denny Hamlin win, bringing his yearly total now up to six. His victory Saturday at Dover International Speedway did not come without its fair share of obstacles, though.

In order to win the first stage of the race, Hamlin, who took four tires during the lap 25 competition caution,had to make his way through a good portion of the field who either; only took two tires or chose not to pit at all. The second stage was less eventful for the driver of the No. 11 once again, winning and collecting another playoff point; however, during that stage break, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Martin Truex Jr won the race off pit road, and held the lead for a while.

However, just as it had been all day, it seemed nobody could hold off Hamlin, as he caught the No. 19 late in the race and passed him with nine laps to go on his way to the checkered flag. Just when you thought it was safe for Hamlin to finally celebrate, all of sudden concerns started to raise about possible loose lug nuts. However, since it turned out to be only one loose lug nut, it will be only a monetary fine.

Another big factor in this race was the ongoing playoff picture. Entering the day Matt DiBenedetto and William Byron had pretty secure cushions over the cutoff, the No. 21 up 44 points and the No. 24 ahead by 25.After the race?A different story.

Both of those drivers had sour days with pit strategy and track position,never falling in their favor. DiBenedetto finished 20th, now only 27 points above the cutline, with one positive being the No. 21 will roll off from the pole in Sunday’s race thanks to the field invert.

Byron was not so fortunate, ending the day in 29th, now out of the playoff picture. Taking advantage of this? His Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson, collecting points in both stages, and finishing the day seventh. The No. 48 is three points above the cutline with only two races remaining in the regular season.

Another driver who many were keeping an eye on this weekend was Austin Dillon, who was returning after testing positive for COVID-19 and missing last week’s race at the Daytona International Speedway road course. The day started off strong for the No. 3, as he was able to take advantage of track position earned by staying out during the race’s competition caution and finish the opening stage in the second. Unfortunately for Dillon, these were the only points earned through the race as he placed the second stage in 12th. The No. 3 ended the day with a 15th.