After Hamlin DQ, Chase Elliott earns his fourth NASCAR Cup Series victory at Pocono Raceway in the M&Ms Fan Appreciation 400 on Sunday afternoon.
For just one time in the 2022 season, the NASCAR Cup Series went into Pennsylvania to race at Pocono Raceway. A venue that is usually slated for two Cup Series races only received one this season with the addition of new races on the schedule. Once more, it is a new track for drivers to try out the next-gen car and many teams entered the weekend unsure of how the car will drive.
The Pole Sitter, Denny Hamlin Leads for a Short Time
Denny Hamlin started on the pole for Sunday’s race, and it did not take long for a lead change. Hamlin’s car loosened up on him and he hit the wall giving the lead to Kyle Busch.
Six laps later the first caution of the day occurred after Austin Cindric spun coming off the third turn.
On the following restart, Kyle Busch slid up the track in the first turn and Kyle Larson made a pass for the lead on the bottom. Larson led the remaining 14 laps of the first stage and claimed the victory.
Christopher Bell Takes the Lead at the Start of the Second Stage
Heading into the second segment, Harrison Burton and Christopher Bell battled for the lead, and Bell proved to be victorious. Bell was not able to get comfortable as Josh Bilicki spun around in the first turn.
There were two more quick cautions after Denny Hamlin and Corey Lajoie have incidents on separate occasions. Christopher Bell was not able to hold the lead on the following restart as Kyle Busch returned to the top spot.
The field began to cycle down pit road during a long green flag run and Busch was able to cycle back into the lead. With this, he was able to control the final half of the second stage to pick up another stage win.
Kyle Busch Starts Off the Third Stage in the Lead
Kyle Busch paved the way into the third segment and was able to lead the opening 22 laps before coming down pit road. 12 laps after the green flag pit cycle, Ryan Blaney spun off the third turn and slammed into the wall protecting pit road.
On the following restart, Ross Chastain and Denny Hamlin held the front row. Exiting the first turn, Hamlin slid up the track and ran Chastain into the wall. This forced Chastain to spin, and he collected Kevin Harvick in the process.
There was one last restart with twelve laps remaining. Denny Hamlin was able to jump out front and held off Kyle Busch for twelve straight laps to seal the win. At least, for a bit of time.
After Hamlin DQ, Chase Elliott Earns his Fourth NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Pocono
While everyone was making their way home. Denny Hamlin’s car was going through inspection. It was found that there was a part out of compliance on the front facia of his vehicle. Denny Hamlin’s win was disqualified because of this.
Runner-up Kyle Busch was also Disqualified, Giving the Victory to Chase Elliott
Kyle Busch was next in line to receive this win, but his car had the same issue. Chase Elliott was given the win after his third-place finish, and this marks his fourth win of the 2022 season.
There may be an appeal and another inspection done this week as the No. 11 and 18 are taken to NASCAR’s R&D Center. There may be more news to come from this story, so stay tuned in.
After the M&Ms Fan Aprreication 400 DQs, Chase Elliott is the NASCAR Cup Series winner and the series points leader.