Catchfence

Hamlin Completes Virginia Fall Sweep,
Closes Chase Gap to Just Six Points on Series Leader Johnson

Richmond, Va. (10/25/10) – Heading into the 2010 season, Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin was considered the favorite to unseat four-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. Following his seventh victory of the season Sunday afternoon at Martinsville Speedway, Hamlin has his first championship and the end to Johnson’s reign within reach.

“Who said it was over?” Hamlin said of the Chase. “I told you it wasn’t over.”

After passing fellow championship contender Kevin Harvick on Lap 471 yesterday, Hamlin pulled away for his third consecutive win at Martinsville, which also completed a fall sweep of the Cup Series events in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Hamlin won the Air Guard 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 11.

Hamlin’s dominant closing act on Sunday firmly establishes the No. 11 team as a title contender, as Hamlin now trails Johnson by just six points with four races remaining in The Chase.

“We’re closing better this year than we did last year,” Hamlin said. “This has really been a consistent six or seven weeks that we put together for ourselves. Obviously kept ourselves in the game so far.”

Hamlin’s six-point deficit to Johnson is the closest margin through six Chase races ever, but anything can happen with the series heading next to Talladega, the most unpredictable race in The Chase.

Hamlin also won both of the fall Cup races in Virginia in 2009, giving him five victories in the last six races in the Commonwealth. The next chance to see the potential NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion at his hometown track is during the NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend at Richmond International Raceway April 29-30, 2011. Tickets for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents The Your Name Here 400 go on-sale January 15, 2011. Stay up to date with ticket information and updates from America’s Premier Short Track at www.rir.com.

About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers exciting night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events—two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends, featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series—under the lights on its ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout consistently produces the thrill of side-by-side racing, coupled with high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities (including the new-for-2010 Video Scoring Tower) and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RIRInsider.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release