Denny Hamlin’s win Saturday at Dover was his sixth of the season tying him with Kevin Harvick for most trips to Victory Lane.
Hamlin and Harvick have now combined for 12 wins, or as many as all of the other 37 drivers.
Sunday Hamlin will look to complete the doubleheader sweep as NASCAR returns to Dover for Part 2 of the Drydene 311.
In the race for the final playoffs spot with just two races to go seven-time Cup Champ Jimmie Johnson (589) moved three points ahead of William Byron (586). Eric Jones (567) is 22 points back.
Bettors allowed Hamlin to go off as an 8-1 choice, mainly because of his lack of success at Dover. He sat second, made a move with about 12 laps to go and overtook Martin Truex Jr., who finished second.
It was Hamlin’s first win at Dover. Now, he’ll try for two in two days.
Here’s how The Eckel 4, which includes Scott “Tobacco Road’’ Baker, Mike “Left Turn’’ Sweeney and Barry “Dr. NASCAR’’ Davis, see Sunday’s race.
Martin Truex Jr. (4-1): All of The 4 had Truex either first or second Sunday. The New Jersey naive saw his run of five straight third-place finishes end Saturday when he finished second. Maybe today he gets to and stays on top.
Kevin Harvick (4-1): Hamlin won Saturday, so it’s Harvick’s turn Sunday. Isn’t that the way this season has gone? H’s also has two wins here in the past five years and an average finish of 3.8.
Denny Hamlin (4-1): “Left Turn’’ had Hamlin on top Saturday and has no problem putting him there again Sunday. You know he’ll be right in the mix.
Kyle Busch (8-1): None of The 4 picked Busch to win, not even “Tobacco Road’’, but three of The 4 included him in their top three. He’s as overdue as a library book after an 0-for-24 start to the season.
Longshot Plays: Clint Bowyer (22-1); Jimmie Johnson (16-1)