NASCAR Cup Charlotte: Hamlin wins hectic Coca-Cola 600

Hamlin started on the pole but struggled to stay in contention for the win for most of the race and was even collected in a 13-car accident near the end of Stage 2.

But as the caution-filled race wound to a close, the field went four-wide off Turn 4 on the first lap of the first overtime, and Hamlin scooted by with the lead as a seven-car wreck erupted behind him.

Hamlin led entering the second overtime stint after the earlier crash, but his Joe Gibbs Racing team-mate Kyle Busch briefly grabbed the lead, only to get loose to allow Hamlin to reclaim the advantage on the final lap.

Hamlin held off Kyle Busch by 0.119 seconds to claim victory and his first-ever triumph at Charlotte.

The win is the 48th of Hamlin’s NASCAR Cup career and second this season.

Hamlin also now holds the record for winning the longest race in NASCAR history in distance – 413 laps or 619.5 miles.

“It’s so special. It’s the last big one that’s not on my résumé. It means so much,” Hamlin said. “Man, just can't thank this whole team enough. Never won the Coke 600 before. This means a lot.

“Man, we weren’t very good all day. Just got ourselves in the right place at the right time. What a battle there.”

Race winner Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, FedEx Ground Toyota Camry

Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images

With Kyle Busch having to settle for the runner-up spot, still his best result since winning on dirt in Bristol back in April, Kevin Harvick ended up third ahead of Chase Briscoe in fourth.

Christopher Bell held on to fifth place to match his result from Kansas, leading Tyler Reddick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr to the finish.

Michael McDowell secured a strong eighth place in front of reigning NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson, who had led