Michael McDowell: McDowell ran in third place on the final lap and pounced on the winning opening when Penske teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski wrecked battling for the win.
Denny Hamlin won at Talladega in a wild finish, the result not determined until the third overtime. Hamlin officially qualified for the next round of the playoffs.
"I've got a comfortable points lead," Harvick said. "There's a safe distance between me and the cut off line. And that's exactly how I plan to race at Talladega---a 'safe distance' from the front."
Behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick will serve as the honorary pace car driver for Sunday’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Cody Ware will also make his first start on the Indianapolis oval after two starts on the road course layout, on which his best finish was a 24th-place effort earned in 2022.
Pro Stock points leader Dallas Glenn is ready to travel west to Seattle for his home race at Pacific Raceway for this weekend’s 35th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals.
