Wurth 400 Full Results: In the recent Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin’s commanding victory highlights his skill on one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks. Remarkably, Kyle Larson’s pursuit, culminating in a runner-up finish, adds an intriguing layer to the season’s narrative, especially given his near-misses in previous races. The dynamic between Hamlin’s flawless execution and Larson’s relentless chase provides a critical viewpoint on their strategies and potential adjustments looking forward.
Key Takeaways
- Denny Hamlin won the 2024 Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway.
- Kyle Larson secured the second place in the race.
- The race featured 12 lead changes among 9 different drivers.
- There were a total of 5 caution flags during the race.
- Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, and Chase Elliott completed the top five finishers.
Race Overview
The 2024 Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway, marking the season’s 11th race, unfolded with dynamic competition and strategic tactics among 37 drivers. The race, initiating at 2 p.m. ET, spanned three hours, 20 minutes, and 57 seconds, showcasing a challenging battle across the famed Monster Mile. The event was characterized by 12 lead changes among nine distinct drivers, indicating a highly competitive environment where strategic overtaking and pit stop decisions played significant roles.
The race dynamics were further complicated by five caution flags, which served as critical turning points for teams to recalibrate strategies and make crucial tire and fuel adjustments. These interruptions, although they stalled the momentum for some drivers, provided opportunities for others to capitalize on fresh strategies. Each caution period reshuffled the pack, testing the adaptability and quick decision-making skills of the crews and drivers equally.
Race Winner and Top Finishers
Denny Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 Toyota, clinched a decisive victory at the Wurth 400, outmaneuvering championship leader Kyle Larson in a thrilling final lap showdown. Capturing his third win of the season, Hamlin’s strategic skills were on full display as he took the lead from Larson on Lap 329, demonstrating his ability to maintain composure under challenges and secure his 54th career win in the Cup Series.
DENNY HAMLIN HOLDS OFF KYLE LARSON TO WIN AT DOVER! pic.twitter.com/15av5mvYFE
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 28, 2024
Kyle Larson, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, pushed Hamlin to the limits but ultimately settled for the runner-up spot. Despite his aggressive pursuit in the closing laps, Larson could not reclaim the lead, though his performance solidified his position as a strong contender in the championship race.
Martin Truex Jr., in the No. 19 Toyota, showcased consistent speed and skill, earning him a commendable fourth-place finish. His adept handling and strategic pit stops allowed him to stay within striking distance of the leaders throughout the race.
Defending race winner Kyle Busch, in the No. 18 Toyota, also made a strong showing by finishing in the fourth position. Busch’s experience and tactical skills were evident as he navigated through traffic and maintained pace with the front runners.
Chase Elliott rounded out the top five with a resilient performance in the No. 9 Chevrolet. Despite facing some challenges during the race, Elliott’s drive and skillful maneuvers kept him competitive, securing a top-five finish.
Final Race Results
Building on the intense competition described earlier, here are the complete and official standings from the 2024 Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Denny Hamlin clinched a compelling victory, showcasing his strategic skills and driving expertise. Following closely was Kyle Larson, who secured the runner-up position, demonstrating consistent speed and resilience throughout the race. Martin Truex Jr. occupied the third spot, confirming his strong performance in challenging track conditions.
Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott rounded out the top five, both drivers displaying tactical racing and adaptability. Noah Gragson, a notable contender, finished sixth, closely followed by Ryan Blaney and Alex Bowman, who claimed seventh and eighth places respectively. Daniel Hemric and Ty Gibbs completed the top ten, each delivering commendable performances that highlighted their capabilities and potential in the series.
Position | Driver |
11 | Denny Hamlin |
5 | Kyle Larson |
19 | Martin Truex Jr. |
8 | Kyle Busch |
9 | Chase Elliott |
10 | Noah Gragson |
12 | Ryan Blaney |
48 | Alex Bowman |
31 | Daniel Hemric |
54 | Ty Gibbs |
45 | Tyler Reddick |
1 | Ross Chastain |
16 | A. J. Allmendinger (i) |
4 | Josh Berry (R) |
2 | Austin Cindric |
22 | Joey Logano |
17 | Chris Buescher |
99 | Daniel Suárez |
14 | Chase Briscoe |
42 | John Hunter Nemechek |
7 | Corey LaJoie |
77 | Carson Hocevar (R) |
51 | Justin Haley |
71 | Zane Smith (R) |
43 | Corey Heim (i) |
21 | Harrison Burton |
3 | Austin Dillon |
84 | Jimmie Johnson |
15 | Kaz Grala (R) |
6 | Brad Keselowski |
38 | Todd Gilliland |
23 | Bubba Wallace |
24 | William Byron |
20 | Christopher Bell |
47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
34 | Michael McDowell |
41 | Ryan Preece |
Further down the order, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain, and A.J. Allmendinger finished eleventh to thirteenth, showing competitive spirit. Rookie Josh Berry took the fourteenth spot, a respectable finish among seasoned veterans, while Austin Cindric and Joey Logano ended up in the fifteenth and sixteenth positions, facing some challenges but managing respectable finishes.
The race results further down included a mix of seasoned drivers and rookies, with Chris Buescher, Daniel Suárez, and Chase Briscoe finishing seventeenth through nineteenth. John Hunter Nemechek and Corey LaJoie rounded out the top twenty-one, each maneuvering the complexities of the race with varying degrees of success.
Cup race results from Dover: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/JmvBS3Ykrj
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 28, 2024
Next Race and Schedule
Shifting focus to the upcoming NASCAR calendar, teams and drivers are gearing up for the 12th race of the season at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, May 5. This event, marked on the calendar as an important mid-season pivot, is anticipated to influence the trajectory of the championship standings greatly.
Kansas Speedway, with its 1.5-mile tri-oval design, provides a unique blend of speed and agility challenges that test driver skill and vehicle performance. The track’s variable banking in the corners, which ranges from 17 to 20 degrees, allows for multiple racing lines, making strategic passing tactics crucial. This feature often leads to tightly contested races, emphasizing the importance of tactical pit stops and tire management.
For teams, the focus will be on optimizing car setups to handle the track’s demands. The balance between aerodynamic efficiency and mechanical grip is vital, as Kansas’s moderate banking and long stretches demand high speeds and stable cornering. Teams with a strong understanding of these dynamics historically perform well here, leveraging data from previous races to refine their approach.
News in Brief: Wurth 400 Full Results
The Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway highlighted the exceptional abilities of Denny Hamlin, who secured a commanding victory. The race demonstrated rigorous competition among top-tier NASCAR drivers, with Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr. completing the podium.
These results not only reflect the strategic skill and driving expertise required at Dover but also set a thrilling precedent for the forthcoming challenge at Kansas Speedway, promising another display of high-speed racing and strategic navigation.
Also Read: Wurth 400 Predictions: A Look at Stats, Track and Top Contenders