Harvick finishes Michigan sweep

He picks up second NASCAR Cup Series win in as many days.

BROOKLYN, Mich. — Kevin Harvick won just about everything he could in a stellar weekend at Michigan International Speedway, although, fittingly, Denny Hamlin was the last driver to pressure him.

Harvick held off Hamlin on Sunday to complete a doubleheader sweep in the NASCAR Cup Series. He also won Saturday’s race, and the two victories gave him six on the season — the most of any driver.

Hamlin, who has five victories, nearly chased down Harvick at the very end, and this weekend did nothing to dispel the notion that these two are top contenders for this year’s championship.

“I have tremendous respect for everyone on that team and Kevin,” Hamlin said. “Obviously, they’re having a great season as well.”

Hamlin was right behind Harvick for the final few laps and came close to passing him a couple of times, but Harvick stayed in front. Hamlin’s final desperate bid came up short at the end when Harvick crossed the finish line 0.093 seconds ahead.

Harvick also won the first two stages Saturday and the second stage Sunday. Clint Bowyer won Sunday’s first stage of the 156-lap, 312-mile race.

With NASCAR running an adjusted schedule because of the coronavirus, both Michigan races were held on the same weekend. That meant Harvick became the first driver since Richard Petty in 1971 to win back-to-back Cup races on consecutive days. Petty did it July 14 and 15 at Islip and Saratoga.

Kyle Busch remained winless this year after a fourth-place finish, but he turned in solid performances both days. Martin Truex Jr. was one spot ahead of him Sunday.