Kevin Harvick wins NASCAR Cup race at Michigan

Kevin Harvick ended months of frustration by surging in the final stage and winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

The victory ended a 65-race winless string for Harvick and boosted him from an outsider into a spot on the Cup playoff grid. Harvick became the 15th different driver to score a Cup win this season. Sixteen drivers will advance to the playoffs, which begin Sept. 4 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.

Harvick’s last win was Sept. 19, 2020 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He won nine races in 2020.

Entering Sunday’s race, Harvick had led only 13 laps this season.

Harvick’s victory leaves one spot in the playoffs for a points challenger with three regular-season races remaining. Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. have been racing for points playoff positions much of the year.

With 21 laps to go, Harvick had a four-second lead over fellow Ford driver Joey Logano. Harvick expanded the lead in the closing laps.

Following Harvick to the finish were pole winner Bubba Wallace, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Blaney.

“Everybody who doubted us doesn’t know us,” Harvick said. “They obviously know we thrive in these situations. A lot of things went our way today, which we haven’t had all year.”

The last stage featured some feverish racing as Harvick, Logano, Christopher Bell, Wallace, Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez wrestled in the top five.

Chastain, who has been blamed for numerous accidents this season, was involved in another big crash Sunday. With 41 laps to go, Chastain tried to pass Christopher Bell on the outside. Bell drifted high, and Chastain hit his car, sending it into the outside wall. Bell’s right front was damaged. Both drivers continued in the race.

Several leading cars were