NASCAR takeaways: Denny Hamlin tames Dover for third win of season

DOVER, Del. — Denny Hamlin knew coming into Dover Motor Speedway that he had a good chance to win, and it certainly appeared that way with a relatively comfortable lead with about 30 laps remaining.

But as Kyle Larson closed in on him in the waning laps, Hamlin had to do all he could to secure the victory, Hamlin's third win of the season in a battle of two of the sport's best drivers.

"I would say it's probably the most competitive that I've been to start a season," Hamlin said.

Hamlin led a race-high 136 laps in capturing the 400-mile event for his 54th career victory, which put him in a tie with Lee Petty for 12th on the all-time Cup list.

"I couldn't hold Lee Petty's helmet," Hamlin said. "I've been blessed with a great race team."

Takeaways from Dover where Hamlin and Larson were followed by defending race winner Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott across the finish line.

Hamlin Aero Blocks To Win

The key to racing in the current era at NASCAR: drivers tend to "aero block" — seeing the line the car behind them will take in order to gain speed and running that line, even if that isn't the best or most comfortable for the leader.

Hamlin feels he isn't the best at defending his position.

"I think there's certainly some that are better at defending their spot than others — I don't put myself very high on that list," Hamlin said. "I've got so many other things. I'm trying to get faster week to week. Certainly defending is an important part of your finish week in, week out. I'm so focused on what I can do to be faster in general.

"I'm probably pretty low on that list, which makes me a little worried when you're going up against Kyle at the end of the race, someone that's not afraid to move around the