Hamlin Wins at Texas, takes Sprint Cup point lead with two races to go

Associated Press

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Denny Hamlin won at Texas for the second time this season to take over the lead in the closest three-way Chase for the Sprint Cup yet with two races left.

Hamlin moved in front with 29 laps to go, then got a push from Matt Kenseth on the final restart with three laps to go Sunday. Kenseth pushed ahead momentarily before Hamlin got right back in front and went on to his series-best eighth victory of the season.

For Jimmie Johnson, it was more Texas trouble and a bump in his drive for an unprecedented fifth consecutive title. He carried a 14-point lead into Texas, but leaves in second place -- 33 behind Hamlin. Kevin Harvick is third, 59 points behind Hamlin.

AAA Texas 500 results