Hamlin edges Johnson in Texas

By Reid Spencer

Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

FORT WORTH, Texas

Denny Hamlin has a new theme song.

The rain-delayed Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway left Hamlin singing “Monday, Monday, so good to me.”

Still recovering from March 31 surgery to repair the ACL in his left knee, Hamlin took advantage of a wild late-race wreck that eliminated several of the fastest cars — including the dominant Chevrolet of Jeff Gordon — and held off fast-closing Jimmie Johnson to win his second race of the season and the 10th of his career.

Contrary to the sentiment of another popular song, rainy days and Mondays seem to buoy the spirits of Hamlin, who has won three of the past four NASCAR Sprint Cup races run on Monday.

Hamlin surged into the lead past Jeff Burton after a restart on Lap 323 of 334. Johnson restarted fifth and dropped back in traffic before making a stirring charge in the final six laps.

With the surgery behind him, Hamlin vaulted from 18th to 11th in the Cup standings and reaffirmed his status as a contender for the series title.

“This is not the type of racetrack people characterize us being strong at,” said Hamlin.

“They always say we’re a short-track team. When we won Homestead last year, it was a sign of things to come.

“I know we’ve got some good racecars in our stable. We’re just going to keep getting better and keep working toward the Chase, and hopefully by the time we get there, we’ll peak.”

The victory was a bonus, considering that Hamlin opted to sacrifice his performance in the spring to get ready for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup that starts in September at New Hampshire.

Kyle Busch finished third, followed by Kurt Busch and Kasey Kahne. Mark Martin, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex Jr. and Greg Biffle completed the top 10.

Johnson, who trailed Hamlin to the finish line by .152 seconds, thought a 20-minute, 28-second red-flag period for a nine-car wreck on Lap 318 might have ruined his chances.

“I think we sat too long and the front tire pressures dropped,” said Johnson, whose lead in the season standings is now 108 points.