Published: August 03, 2009 04:58 pm         

Hamlin wins at Pocono Raceway

LONG POND, Pa. — Denny Hamlin has ended a 50-race winless skid by holding off Juan Pablo Montoya over the final thrilling laps to win at Pocono Raceway.

Hamlin again made Pocono his personal playground, winning on Monday for the third time in eight career starts. He’s had three other top 10s on the triangle track.

The race had been delayed a day because of rain. Usually not known as a track that produces exciting races, this one was wild and unpredictable almost from the start.

Clint Bowyer was third. Sam Hornish Jr. was fourth for his best finish in a Cup car, and Kasey Kahne was fifth.

This is Hamlin’s first victory since Martinsville Speedway in March 2008, and he strengthened his bid for a spot in the Chase for the championship.