Bell Breaks Darlington Win, Hamlin Extends Cup Chase Lead
Denny Hamlin preserved a 12-point lead in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase after the Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington, while Christopher Bell’s win at Darlington moved him within 12 points of Hamlin entering the next Chase race at Gateway. Hamlin finished 18th but earned 16 stage points to limit damage. Unofficial standings after 1 of 10 Chase races place Hamlin at 2,135 points, Bell at 2,123, followed by Ryan Blaney (2,119), Tyler Reddick (2,111), and Chase Briscoe (2,098), among others.