{"id":5040,"date":"2016-08-07T20:57:15","date_gmt":"2016-08-08T01:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=5040"},"modified":"2016-08-10T19:18:15","modified_gmt":"2016-08-11T00:18:15","slug":"hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/","title":{"rendered":"Hamlin wins combustible classic in front of sold-out Watkins Glen"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p2\"><b>By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. \u2013 <strong>Denny Hamlin<\/strong>, winner of Sunday\u2019s Cheez-It 355 at the Glen, entertained a sold-out grandstand with a celebratory burnout that trailed a plume of smoke the entire length of the frontstretch at Watkins Glen International.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5053\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5053\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-12\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?fit=2639%2C1759&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2639,1759\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;7.1&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;NASCAR via Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470589680&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 NASCAR&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;32&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.001&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5053\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5053\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C200\" alt=\"Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?resize=284%2C190&amp;ssl=1 284w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?resize=99%2C66&amp;ssl=1 99w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL_080716.jpg?w=2000 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5053\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p2\">But Hamlin\u2019s smoke show\u2014with a bad back, no less\u2014paled in comparison to the fireworks that preceded the checkered flag, Hamlin\u2019s first at a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nascar.com\">NASCAR Sprint Cup Series<\/a> road course.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">The race was in doubt until the final corner, with Martin Truex Jr. pressuring Hamlin, who led the final 10 laps after surging past Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch in Turn 1 following a Lap 81 restart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">But Truex never got a chance to drag-race Hamlin\u2019s No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to the finish line. As the cars neared the exit from Turn 7, with Truex running second and Keselowski third, contact from Keselowski\u2019s No. 2 Ford sent Truex\u2019s No. 78 Toyota spinning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Defending race winner Joey Logano took advantage of the melee to finish second ahead of Keselowski and 2014 Watkins Glen winner AJ Allmendinger, who knocked Kyle Larson off the track and into the inside barrier on the way to a fourth-place finish.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5044\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5044\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?fit=4193%2C2795&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4193,2795\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;NASCAR via Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, affixes the winner\\u0092s decal to his car in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470589680&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 NASCAR&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;16&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.001&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, affixes the winner\u0092s decal to his car in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5044\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5044\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C200\" alt=\"Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, affixes the winner\u0092s decal to his car in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?resize=284%2C190&amp;ssl=1 284w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?resize=99%2C66&amp;ssl=1 99w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?w=2000 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?w=3000 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5044\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, affixes the winner\u0092s decal to his car in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p2\">Tony Stewart recovered from an early mistake\u2014blowing the inner loop and losing 10 positions in the process\u2014to finish fifth. Kyle Busch was sixth and Truex seventh after the last-lap spin.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Hamlin won the race in pain, with nerve endings on fire in his back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">&#8220;I just woke up with back spasms this morning,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;Just hits me every three or four months or so. I just wake up and can\u2019t move. Really doubted being in the race car today, to be honest with you, but can\u2019t say enough about this whole FedEx Freight Toyota team.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">&#8220;Should\u2019ve won both road courses (Hamlin was second to Stewart at Sonoma), which is something we never would\u2019ve predicted going into the year. Sold out crowd, two years in a row, this is a good time. I\u2019ve finally won at all of the (types of) race tracks, so it\u2019s a great accomplishment for us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5054\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5054\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-13\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?fit=4358%2C2900&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4358,2900\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D4S&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Josh Hedges\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470589800&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Josh Hedges\/Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?fit=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5054\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5054\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C200\" alt=\"Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Josh Hedges\/Getty Images)\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?resize=1024%2C681&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?resize=284%2C190&amp;ssl=1 284w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?resize=99%2C66&amp;ssl=1 99w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?w=2000 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_VL3_080716.jpg?w=3000 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5054\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Josh Hedges\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p2\">For the second straight year, the Daytona 500 champion also has gone to Victory Lane at the 2.45-mile Watkins Glen road course, with Hamlin joining 2015 winner Logano in that accomplishment. The victory was Hamlin\u2019s second of the season and the 28th of his career, and though Hamlin was in a mood to celebrate, there were plenty of hurt feelings behind him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Keselowski took responsibility for the incident with Truex, who expressed his displeasure by banging fenders with the No. 2 car on the cool-down lap.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">&#8220;I got right up to the bumper of the 78 (Truex) and couldn\u2019t do anything there, and he made a move to get by the 11 (Hamlin) on the inside, and the 11 blocked him,&#8221; Keselowski said. &#8220;I went high, and the 78 went high and by then I was already deep in the corner and got into him and turned him. That was really unfortunate, and the last thing I wanted to see.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">&#8220;This track here, when you drive into the corner, you commit, and sometimes you don\u2019t know what will happen when you commit. The last thing I wanted to do was turn him. I\u2019m proud of my guys for a really fast race car and it was another crazy Watkins Glen day.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5042\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5042\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?fit=4024%2C2876&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4024,2876\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;NASCAR via Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470589620&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 NASCAR&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;15&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;640&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?fit=640%2C458&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5042\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5042\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C214\" alt=\"Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?resize=300%2C214&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?resize=768%2C549&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?resize=1024%2C732&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?w=2000 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Checkered_080716.jpg?w=3000 3000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5042\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"p2\">That craziness included eight cautions for 20 laps, four for multicar incidents in the final 38 laps. There were two yellows after Hamlin took the lead on Lap 81, when Kyle Busch and Keselowski ran wide in Turn 1, and Hamlin seized the moment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">After the final restart on Lap 87 of 90, Truex stayed close to Hamlin, almost getting to the bumper of the No. 11 in the final corner before the contact from Keselowski turned him. The ensuing chaos allowed Hamlin to cross the finish line 2.065 seconds ahead of Logano for a victory that was nowhere near as comfortable as that margin might seem to indicate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">It was an ending befitting a race track accustomed to wild racing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">&#8220;Typical Watkins Glen,&#8221; Logano said. &#8220;I mean, it&#8217;s just awesome, crazy racing, full contact.\u00a0 Just insane out there.\u00a0 So a lot of fun from the driver&#8217;s seat and I&#8217;m sure the fans loved it as well in front of a sold out grandstand. It was pretty cool when I pulled over for the red flag in front of the grandstands and I could hear just fans screaming and yelling and loving it.\u00a0 I thought, \u2018Man, this is really cool to be in the driver&#8217;s seat right now.\u2019 &#8220;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Notes: With his car obliterated in a four-car wreck on lap 53, Jimmie Johnson finished last (40th) in a Sprint Cup race for the first time in his career. &#8230; Danica Patrick led 11 laps on Sunday, a career best for a single Sprint Cup event, exceeding the seven laps she had led on two occasions at Talladega. &#8230; The victim of an early accident, Jeff Gordon recovered to finish 14th in relief of Dale Earnhardt Jr., who missed his fourth straight race because of concussion-like symptoms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><em><strong>Note: \u00a0Additional photos posted below results.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><b>NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race &#8211; Cheez-It 355 at The Glen<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><b>Watkins Glen International<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><b>Watkins Glen, New York<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><b>Sunday, August 07, 2016<\/b><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 1. (6) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 2. (7) Joey Logano, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 3. (12) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 4. (9) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 5. (3) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 6. (5) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 7. (14) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 8. (10) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 9. (32) Trevor Bayne, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 10. (4) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 11. (17) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 12. (20) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 13. (16) Chase Elliott #, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 14. (21) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 15. (1) Carl Edwards, Toyota, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 16. (8) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 17. (11) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 18. (28) Clint Bowyer, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 19. (19) * Ryan Blaney #, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 20. (23) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 21. (31) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 22. (33) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 23. (40) Landon Cassill, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 24. (37) Boris Said, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 25. (27) Brian Scott #, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 26. (39) * Josh Wise, Chevrolet, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 27. (34) Aric Almirola, Ford, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 28. (22) * Cole Whitt, Toyota, 90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 29. (2) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 89.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 30. (25) Chris Buescher #, Ford, 89.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 31. (18) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 89.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 32. (15) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, Accident, 83.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 33. (26) David Ragan, Toyota, Accident, 83.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 34. (35) Matt DiBenedetto, Toyota, Accident, 83.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 35. (29) Regan Smith, Chevrolet, 77.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 36. (36) * Alex Kennedy, Chevrolet, Engine, 76.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 37. (38) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 74.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 38. (30) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, Accident, 52.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 39. (24) Greg Biffle, Ford, Accident, 52.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 40. (13) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, Accident, 52.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Average Speed of Race Winner:\u00a0 89.513 mph.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Time of Race:\u00a0 2 Hrs, 27 Mins, 48 Secs. Margin of Victory:\u00a0 2.065 Seconds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Caution Flags:\u00a0 8 for 20 laps.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Lead Changes:\u00a0 9 among 8 drivers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Lap Leaders:\u00a0\u00a0 C. Edwards 1-25; M. Truex Jr. 26; J. Logano 27-33; D. Patrick 34-44; Kyle Busch 45-48; B. Keselowski 49; Kurt Busch 50-52; J. Logano 53; B. Keselowski 54-80; D. Hamlin 81-90.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led):\u00a0 B. Keselowski 2 times for 28 laps; C. Edwards 1 time for 25 laps; D. Patrick 1 time for 11 laps; D. Hamlin 1 time for 10 laps; J. Logano 2 times for 8 laps; Kyle Busch 1 time for 4 laps; Kurt Busch 1 time for 3 laps; M. Truex Jr. 1 time for 1 lap.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Top 16 in Points: B. Keselowski &#8211; 727; K. Harvick &#8211; 718; Kurt Busch &#8211; 689; Kyle Busch &#8211; 670; C. Edwards &#8211; 653; J. Logano &#8211; 652; D. Hamlin &#8211; 620; M. Truex Jr. &#8211; 612; M. Kenseth &#8211; 600; J. Johnson &#8211; 578; R. Newman &#8211; 562; C. Elliott # &#8211; 561; A. Dillon &#8211; 559; J. Mcmurray &#8211; 550; K. Larson &#8211; 520; T. Bayne &#8211; 512.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5043\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5043\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Dareus_BBodine_080616-e1470874166369.jpg?fit=615%2C410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;NASCAR via Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  (L-R) Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills talks to NASCAR official Brett Bodine prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470569880&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 NASCAR&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;35&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;160&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;(L-R) Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills talks to NASCAR official Brett Bodine prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Dareus_BBodine_080616-e1470874166369.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5043\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5043\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Dareus_BBodine_080616-e1470874166369.jpg?resize=615%2C410\" alt=\"(L-R) Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills talks to NASCAR official Brett Bodine prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5043\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">(L-R) Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills talks to NASCAR official Brett Bodine prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5046\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5046\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_GreenFlag_080616-e1470874317409.jpg?fit=615%2C410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;NASCAR via Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470579840&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 NASCAR&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;15&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;640&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_GreenFlag_080616-e1470874317409.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5046\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5046\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_GreenFlag_080616-e1470874317409.jpg?resize=615%2C410\" alt=\"Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5046\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5045\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5045\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Gordon_080716-e1470874362446.jpg?fit=615%2C410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Damage is seen on the #88 Axalta Chevrolet, driven by Jeff Gordon, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470579900&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.001&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Damage is seen on the #88 Axalta Chevrolet, driven by Jeff Gordon, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Gordon_080716-e1470874362446.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5045\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5045\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Gordon_080716-e1470874362446.jpg?resize=615%2C410\" alt=\"Damage is seen on the #88 Axalta Chevrolet, driven by Jeff Gordon, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5045\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Damage is seen on the #88 Axalta Chevrolet, driven by Jeff Gordon, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5048\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5048\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-7\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Hamlin_080716-e1470874406950.jpg?fit=615%2C410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;NASCAR via Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470585000&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 NASCAR&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;500&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Hamlin_080716-e1470874406950.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5048\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5048\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Hamlin_080716-e1470874406950.jpg?resize=615%2C410\" alt=\"Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5048\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Freight Toyota, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey\/NASCAR via Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5049\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5049\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-8\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Larson_KyBusch_080716-e1470874447995.jpg?fit=615%2C409&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,409\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;9&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, races Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Crisper Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Robert Laberge\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470582960&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;250&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0015625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, races Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Crisper Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Robert Laberge\/Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Larson_KyBusch_080716-e1470874447995.jpg?fit=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5049\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5049\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Larson_KyBusch_080716-e1470874447995.jpg?resize=615%2C409\" alt=\"Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, races Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Crisper Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Robert Laberge\/Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"409\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5049\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, races Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Snickers Crisper Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Robert Laberge\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5050\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5050\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-9\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_McMurray_TruexJr_080716-e1470874499500.jpg?fit=615%2C410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonald&#039;s Chevrolet, leads Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470579900&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.001&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonald&amp;#8217;s Chevrolet, leads Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_McMurray_TruexJr_080716-e1470874499500.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5050\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5050\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_McMurray_TruexJr_080716-e1470874499500.jpg?resize=615%2C410\" alt=\"Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonald's Chevrolet, leads Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5050\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonald&#8217;s Chevrolet, leads Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5051\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5051\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-10\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_PaceCar_080616-e1470874543143.jpg?fit=615%2C410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;HERO4 Silver&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field during parade laps prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Todd Warshaw\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470578460&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.000356&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field during parade laps prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Todd Warshaw\/Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_PaceCar_080616-e1470874543143.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5051\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5051\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_PaceCar_080616-e1470874543143.jpg?resize=615%2C410\" alt=\"Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field during parade laps prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Todd Warshaw\/Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5051\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Carl Edwards, driver of the #19 Stanley Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, lead the field during parade laps prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Todd Warshaw\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5052\" style=\"width: 625px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5052\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2016\/08\/07\/hamlin-wins-combustible-classic-in-front-of-sold-out-watkins-glen\/nascar-sprint-cup-series-cheez-it-355-11\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_TruexJr_080716-e1470874588141.jpg?fit=615%2C410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"615,410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Getty Images&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS-1D X&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;WATKINS GLEN, NY - AUGUST 07:  Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, leads Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1470579900&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;2016 Getty Images&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;20&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, leads Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York.  (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_TruexJr_080716-e1470874588141.jpg?fit=640%2C426&amp;ssl=1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5052\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5052\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_TruexJr_080716-e1470874588141.jpg?resize=615%2C410\" alt=\"Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, leads Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5052\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Toyota, leads Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 7, 2016 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Trotman\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. \u2013 Denny Hamlin, winner of Sunday\u2019s Cheez-It 355 at the Glen, entertained a sold-out grandstand with a celebratory burnout that trailed a plume of smoke the entire length of the frontstretch at Watkins Glen International. But Hamlin\u2019s smoke show\u2014with a bad back, no less\u2014paled in comparison [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5044,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[11],"tags":[41,16],"class_list":["post-5040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nascar","tag-denny-hamlin","tag-nascar"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-1ji","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/WGI_NSCS_Decal_080716.jpg?fit=4193%2C2795&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5040","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5040"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5040\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5056,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5040\/revisions\/5056"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}