Elliott Sadler Tames Darlington Raceway

Elliott Sadler drove to victory  for the first time at Darlington Raceway. He held off defending champion Denny Hamlin to claim his second win of 2016. Sadler was second on the track “Too Tough To Tame” in this event in 2013 and 2014. The speedster finished behind defending Sprint Cup champion Kyle Busch both times.

The Xfinity Series points leader, snatched the lead from Denny Hamlin with 35 laps to go. Elliott Sadler pulled away from field until Denny Hamlin, steadily began to reel him in.

The crafty veteran managed to stay focused through the final turns and crossed in front to earn the checkered flag. It was Sadler’s first win at Darlington Raceway in 32 career starts at the hallowed venue.

Elliott Sadler said while in the winner’s Circle that he dedicated the win to car owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. It was released on Friday afternoon that Earnhardt Jr. would miss the rest of the Sprint Cup season because of concussion-like symptoms.

“I’ve been wanting to win here for a long time,” Sadler crowed after. This is for Dale Earnhardt Jr. My owner also has given me one heck of an opportunity. I know he’s gone through a lot this year. This one’s for you, my man.”

For a second, it appeared that Denny Hamlin would give Elliott Sadler another second place finish at Darlington. Sadler briefly got loose near the wall with two laps left. Hamlin closed to his bumper and ducked underneath to nose slightly ahead. But Sadler, found the speed in the next two turns to keep his hot-rod in the lead. Sadler had also led a race high 75 laps before the final push to the end.

Denny Hamlin also closed in one final time on the white flag circuit. Once again, Elliott Sadler retained his position and took the checkered flag. Unfortunately, Hamlin’s car struggled in second gear and that cost him on restarts. “It was exciting.” Hamlin said.

Denny Hamlin continues to impress his owners when he competes in the Xfinity Series races at Darlington. The Sprint Cup mainstay has had four wins and three runner-ups in the past seven races. Hamlin also claimed victory in his only other Xfinity Series start of the year at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May.

Kevin Harvick battled mechanical problems that sent him to the garage just 33 laps into the contest. The 2016 Sprint Cup Series points leader, has now gone win-less in his last 14 Xfinity Series starts. His last Xfinity Series triumph was at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, in March of 2015. The experienced driver also has 46 victories in his Xfinity Series career.

Kevin Harvick is faring much better in the Sprint Cup Series. He drove his #4 Freaky Fast Chevrolet to victory  two weeks ago at Bristol. Furthermore, Harvick starts up front after qualifying was cancelled due to Hurricane Hermine.  The field’s starting order is set by owner points.

Kyle Larson looked like he would make it two straight wins when he sped passed Denny Hamlin with 57 laps left to go. Unfortunately for Larson, he had a tire go down just 13 laps later. As a result, he had to drive on to pit road for a change and relinquished the lead back to Hamlin. Larson would eventually finish out the event in the fourth spot.