Hamlin edges Byron for win in Xfinity race

BROOKLYN, MICH. » The Xfinity race at Michigan began with instant drama — contact between Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch that sent Busch spinning.

The ending was just as compelling.

Denny Hamlin inched ahead of William Byron on the final turn and nosed out the rookie at the finish line, winning Saturday in the closest NASCAR Xfinity race at Michigan International Speedway since the advent of electronic scoring in the series.

“We went so low down the back straightaway that there was dust and stuff flying off the tires,” Hamlin said.

It was Hamlin’s 16th career Xfinity victory and first in three starts this year, but the 19-year-old 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 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.”

The previous track record for closest victory margin was 0.192 seconds by Todd Bodine on Aug. 19, 2000.

Elliott Sadler was also in the mix during the final lap and finished third in the 125-lap, 250-mile race. He took over the series points lead from Justin Allgaier.

Busch and Keselowski were 1-2 after qualifying, giving this Xfinity race a couple of big names at the front. Seconds after the start, Busch drifted slightly to the right, and Keselowski made contact from behind on the outside.

“I don’t think he knew I was there,” Keselowski said. “I lifted the best I could, I guess I just didn’t do a good enough job lifting. I was already pulling up alongside of him.”