NASCAR: Hamlin wins at Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Denny Hamlin prevailed in a four-lap dash to the checkered flag Sunday in the wreck-filled Sprint Cup race at newly paved Watkins Glen International.

It’s the first road course win of Hamlin’s Cup career and he survived a race that had eight cautions for 24 laps and two red flags for 30 minutes.

On the final lap, Hamlin, who was beaten on the road course at Sonoma in June by Tony Stewart in a bang on the last turn, held a slim lead over Martin Truex Jr. and Brad Keselowski as the three ran nose-to-tail entering the final turns of the 90-lap race. Keselowski spun Truex in the turn and Hamlin’s No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota coasted to the victory.

Joey Logano finished second, followed by Penske teammate Keselowski, AJ Allmendinger, and Stewart.

Kyle Busch, Truex, Jamie McMurray, Trevor Bayne and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top 10. Polesitter Carl Edwards, who led the first 25 laps, finished 15th.

Stewart, who is retiring after the season, will finish his stellar Cup career with eight road wins, one fewer than the record nine of Jeff Gordon.

Visit Vindy.com later and read Monday's Vindicator sports section for complete details.