Hamlin edges Byron in Xfinity Series race
BROOKLYN, Mich. — The race began with instant drama — contact between Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch that sent Busch spinning — and the ending was just as compelling.
Denny Hamlin inched ahead of William Byron on the final turn and nosed ahead of the rookie at the finish line, winning Saturday in the closest NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Michigan International Speedway since the advent of electronic scoring in the series.
“We went so low down the back straightaway,” Hamlin said, “that there was dust and stuff flying off the tires.”
It was Hamlin’s 16th career victory in the second-tier series and first in three starts this year, but the 19-yearold Byron made him earn it. Byron led after a restart with two laps remaining, but Hamlin pressured him the rest of the way and the Cup Series veteran eventually prevailed by 0.012 seconds in his No. 20 Toyota.
The two cars crossed the finish line next to each other, with the 36-year-old Hamlin barely ahead on the inside.
“It was a lot of fun,” Byron said. “He just had enough air down there to get to the side of us, and it was just a race to the line after that.”
Elliott Sadler was also in the mix during the final lap and finished third. He took over the series points lead from Justin Allgaier.
Busch and Keselowski were first and second after qualifying, giving the race a couple of big names from the top-tier series at the front. Seconds after the start, Busch drifted slightly to the right and Keselowski made contact from behind on the outside.
Keselowski finished fourth and Busch was fifth.
Torrence thunders
BRISTOL, Tenn. — Steve Torrence took the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel on Saturday night at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.
Torrence had a 3.772-second pass at 319.29 mph at Bristol Dragway for his second No. 1 qualifier of the season and 15th of his career.
“It’s been a really tricky weekend,” Torrence said. “I think it will be a drivers’ race tomorrow. I feel like we’re going to have to go out and earn the round wins, and if you make it to the final you’re going to have to work hard. These 11,000 horsepower beasts don’t want to go down hot tracks, and it takes a lot of finesse from crew chiefs and drivers have to be on their job.”
Tim Wilkerson topped the Funny Car field, and Jeg Coughlin was the fastest in Pro Stock. Wilkerson had a 3.895 at 328.22 on Friday night in his Ford Mustang for his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and 19th of his career. Coughlin had a 6.694 at 204.85 in a Chevrolet Camaro on Friday for his third No. 1 qualifier of the season and 23rd overall.