There was no shortage of drama at the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday evening.
With the white flag in sight, Austin Dillon seemed well on his way to a big win that would not only end a nearly two-year winless streak, but also secure him a spot in the playoffs.
Dillon destroys Logano and Hamlin to win the NASCAR Cup in Richmond in dramatic overtime
Instead, a yellow flag forced an overtime restart as Joey Logano sped past Dillon. With no reasonable opportunity to pass Logano on the final lap, Dillon ran straight into Logano in Turn 3, spinning Denny Hamlin as well.
The maneuver was heavily criticized and NASCAR revoked Dillon’s automatic playoff spot, finding that he had “crossed a line” when he wrecked Logano and Hamlin.
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Hamlin, the former Chesterfield resident, finished second, while Logano dropped to 19th.
The drama overshadowed a big weekend for NASCAR, which returned from an Olympic break and used softer option tires for the first time. The race brought additional strategy for each team.
The race was also the finale at Richmond for 2017 Cup Series champion and three-time Richmond winner Martin Truex Jr., who is retiring at the end of the season. His Toyota suffered an engine problem and he finished last despite starting from the front row.
Richard Petty is honored with a hat presentation before the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway
Gallery: Scenes from the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway
NASCAR drivers compete in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
A NASCAR fan cheers during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Joey Logano competes in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Denny Hamlin competes in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Kyle Busch competes in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR drivers compete in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR Cup drivers compete in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday night.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Kyle Larson comes in for a pit stop during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. The NASCAR Cup Series race on the 3/4-mile D-shaped oval ended with a bang as Austin Dillon drove the Ford of Joey Logano and the Toyota of Manchester High School alum Denny Hamlin to victory on Sunday night. The race ended as of press time; for a full race report and more photos, point your phone camera at this code and click the link. Digital access is included with your subscription.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR drivers compete in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR drivers compete in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
NASCAR drivers compete in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Denny Hamlin spins after colliding with Austin Dillon on the final lap of Sunday night’s NASCAR Cup race at Richmond Raceway.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Austin Dillon competes in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Austin Dillon’s pit crew runs to the track to celebrate Dillon’s win at Richmond Raceway on Sunday night.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Austin Dillon celebrates his victory in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, August 11, 2024.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Austin Dillon officially ended his nearly two-year winless streak on Sunday evening at Richmond Raceway, but was deducted 25 points.
MIKE KROPF, TIMES-DISPATCH
Austin Dillon celebrates his victory in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday night. Dillon ended a nearly two-year winless streak in the NASCAR Cup Series and has likely secured a spot in the playoffs.
MIKE KROPF Photos, TIMES-DISPATCH
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