Kevin Harvick secured his first win of the 2019 season battling Denny Hamblin on the final lap at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Loudon, N.H. – July 21, 2019 – Anthony Holbrook
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 20th race of the 2019 season located to New Hampshire Motor Speedway Sunday, July 21, 2019 for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301.
The 1.058-mile New Hampshire Oval, sometimes referred to as “Loudon” in respect to the town in which it resides, challenges Drivers with variable banking between 2-7 degrees in the corners. New Hampshire Motor Speedway has hosted NASCAR Cup races since 1993.
Stage 1
Bush Pole Sitter – Brad Keselowski under the wheel of the No. 2 Penske Ford, brought the field to green at the Monster Mile. Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota’s Driver – Kyle Bush powers past Keselowski’s Mustang to claim the early stage lead. On Lap 36, Keselowski uses the lap car of No. 43 Bubba Wallace as a pick. Kyle Busch is pinched behind Bubba Wallace’s Ford on the outside. Keselowski noses ahead on the bottom to grab the lead.
A front flat tire on the Austin Dillion’s No. 3 Chevy brought out the yellow on Lap 46. Driver of the Gibbs Racing- No. 20 Toyota- Erik Jones along with Roush Fenway Racing’s – No. 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. opts for 2 tire pit service and track position.
Kyle Bush utilizing fresher tires, cuts to the inside of Erik Jones and noses his No. 18 Toyota to the front with 5 Laps remaining and Stage 1 win.
Stage 1 Results
1. Kyle Busch
2. Erik Jones
3. Aric Almirola
4. Clint Bowyer
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Martin Truex Jr
7. Ryan Blaney;
8. Kevin Harvick
9. Denny Hamlin
10. Daniel Suarez
Stage 2
On Lap 137, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was forced into the fence and caution was flagged. As Pit lane open majority of the leaders follow. Kyle Busch is off first with a two-tire service, as 8 cars stay out. Stuart-Haas Racing Driver of the No. 10 Ford –Aric Almorola takes advantage of pit strategy and leads the field in the Stage 2 finale.
Two Laps to go, Almirola nails his lines, building a 5 car-length lead and cruses to a Stage 2 win.
Stage 2 Results
1. Aric Almirola
2. Joey Logano
3. Ryan Newman
4. William Byron
5. Kyle Busch
6. Denny Hamlin
7. Kyle Larson
8. Kevin Harvick
9. Paul Menard
10. Kurt Busch
Final Stage
Denny Hamlin controls the Stage 3 / Green flag restart by choosing the preferred outside lane.
Stage 1 Winner –Kyle Busch chases his Toyota up the track eventually smacking the wall and bringing out caution on Lap 214.
As the field heads for the pit lane, the first six cars gambles with a two-tires pit service. An efficient pit services allows Denny Hamlin to be the first out of pit lane. Kyle Busch’s Camry was the first car to exit pit lane with four new Goodyears. Kevin Harvick gets a jump on the outside of Erick Jones and steals the lead. Not to go unattested, Hamlin drives his Toyota deep into Turn 2 to take the 2nd position away from Erik Jones.
With 3 Laps to go, Kevin Harvick punches through traffic, as Hamlin trails by .04 seconds. Harvick blocks and protects his lines, slamming the door on any advancement of Hamlin.
Kevin Harvick picks up his 1st win of the 2019 season and 4th career win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 / Final Results
1. Kevin Harvick
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Erik Jones
4. Ryan Blaney
5. Matt DiBenedetto
6. Martin Truex Jr
7. Ryan Newman
8. Kyle Busch
9. Joey Logano
10. Brad Keselowski
11. Aric Almirola
12. William Byron
13. Paul Menard
14. Alex Bowman
15. Chris Buescher
16. Ty Dillon
17. Michael McDowell
18. Kurt Busch
19. Daniel Suarez
20. Clint Bowyer
21. Ryan Preece
22. Bubba Wallace
23. Corey LaJoie
24. Matt Tifft
25. Ross Chastain
26. Landon Cassill
27. Reed Sorenson
28. Andy Seuss
29. Chase Elliott
30. Jimmie Johnson
31. Quin Houff
32. Austin Dillon
33. Kyle Larson
34. David Ragan
35. Austin Theriault
36. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
37. Daniel Hemric
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race No. 21 travels to Pocono Raceway, Sunday, July 28, 2019 for the Gander Outdoors 400 3:00 pm ET NBCSN MRN