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Harvick Takes Day 2 Race at Dover; Hamlin Wins Saturday

A day after Denny Hamlin’s victory, Kevin Harvick regained the Cup Series lead with his seventh, dominating Sunday at Dover International Speedway.

 

Harvick and Hamlin have emerged as the clear contenders to win it all -- and again they proved their mettle in doubleheaders. At Pocono in late June, Harvick won the Saturday race and Hamlin followed with the checkered flag 24 hours later.

 

Under the lights, the final three playoff spots are up for grabs, with seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson about needed a win to make a run at a record eighth title in his farewell season.

 

Harvick secured his title as best in the regular season, and has 57 playoff points that he can build up all the way to the Phoenix finale.

 

The 44-year-old Harvick continues to rack up milestones at Stewart-Haas Racing. He has 56 career Cup victories to tie Kyle Busch for ninth on the career list. Harvick swept the stages in the No. 4 Ford and won for the third time in seven races. He gave Ford its 700th Cup victory.

 

All seven of Harvick’s wins have come in the 14 starts since NASCAR resumed on May 17.

 

With just Daytona left next week before the 16-driver field is set, Aric Almirola, Kyle Busch and brother Kurt Busch all wrapped up spots on points.

 

Martin Truex Jr. finished second in both Dover races. He had finished third in five straight races headed into the weekend.

 

Jimmie Johnson, Dover’s career winner with 11, was third. Johnson’s No. 48 team gambled on a late two-tire pit stop that gave the seven-time champion a late surge.

 

There are 13 drivers with a spot in the playoffs. Clint Bowyer, Matt DiBendetto and William Byron hold the final three spots on points.

 

DiBendetto finished 20th and 17th in the two Dover races to derail his playoff momenteum.

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