Harvick and Hamlin Win Pocono Doubleheader in the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics 325 and the Pocono 350 at Pocono Raceway on June 27, 28, 2020.
NASCAR told fans in 2019 that Pocono Raceway would play host for a doubleheader weekend of NASCAR Cup Series racing in 2020. On Saturday and Sunday, they ran two races on the “Tricky Triangle” at the 2.5-mile track. Pocono Raceway is the only track on the schedule with just three corners. Each corner is very different, making it tough for teams to find the right balance in their cars.
Two drivers found the winning combination of balance and strategy to win the historic first-ever Cup Series doubleheader – Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin. Harvick brought home the victory for Stewart Haas Racing on Saturday with Hamlin winning for Joe Gibbs Racing on Sunday.
Saturday’s First Stage
Aric Almirola held the pole for Saturday’s race. He was a tough contender all day, leading the field for most of the first stage. A late flag, however, waved for Quinn Houff spinning. Joey Logano was able to take the lead on the restart to win the first stage of the Pocono 350.
Saturday’s Second Stage
All the leaders stay out during the stage break, but they pitted shortly after the second stage return to green.
Martin Truex Jr. cycled into the lead after all the front-runners came down pit road. Then, JJ Yeley blew a tire late in the stage. Many drivers stayed out under caution, but Martin Truex Jr. gave up the lead to service his car. Aric Almirola moved back into the lead and was able to lead the rest of the second stage.
Saturday’s Third Stage
Almirola kept the lead to begin the third stage. Green flag stops began to cycle through the field, fifteen laps into the stage. Kevin Harvick was able to cycle into the lead with a massive gap over Denny Hamlin in second place. Hamlin worked Harvick down to a half-second lead when the white flag flew. Denny Hamlin could not get within striking distance on Harvick. Kevin Harvick was able to close the deal and win Saturday afternoon at Pocono.
The Pocono Organics 325 Results
Sunday’s First Stage
Kurt Busch jumped out to an early lead to begin the back half of the doubleheader. Austin Dillon was on the pole but had a poor jump to kick off the race. Kurt Busch continued to lead with Blaney closely behind. The two fought hard for the top spot, but it was Kurt Busch prevailing. Kurt Busch ran the remainder of the first stage with the lead.
Sunday’s Second Stage
The top-nine cars stayed out during the stage break.
Kurt Busch brought the field back to the green flag, but it was Ryan Blaney jumping out front. Blaney held the lead for seventeen laps before making his way onto pit road. Then, Denny Hamlin moved into the lead, followed by Kevin Harvick. After a late caution in the stage involving Ryan Preece, Aric Almirola took the lead for a two-lap shootout. Brad Keselowski received a better push and moved past Almirola. Keselowski was able to win the second stage of the race.
Sunday’s Third Stage
Brad Keselowski stayed in the lead well into the final stage. He was the first driver to come down pit road with forty laps remaining. Kevin Harvick cycled into the lead, but he eventually came down pit road too. Denny Hamlin took over the race lead, staying out a lot longer than everyone else. Finally, Denny Hamlin pitted for fuel only ultimately giving him the win. Hamlin came back onto the track with the lead, and nobody else could get to him. Denny Hamlin wins the Pocono 350 Sunday afternoon.
Pocono 350 Results NASCAR Cup Series Point Standings
There’s no one racing stronger than Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick. The two drivers have seven wins out of the fifteen races run so far. Denny Hamlin is showing incredible speed and could easily have more wins if a couple of races went his way. Kevin Harvick sits at the top of the point standings and will not give it up easily. Harvick has eight top-five finishes and three wins. With the season at the midway point, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick are on a roll toward a potential championship title.