Denny Hamlin prevails in Daytona 500 thriller

Denny Hamlin has clinched victory after a gripping finish with Martin Truex jr in what was the closest finish in Daytona 500 history.

Following a sixth caution period brought out by Danica Patrick and Greg Biffle’s incident with 16 to go, the race went green to the flag.

Hamlin timed his run to perfection, slotting into second place after the white flag before edging out Truex jr in a photo finish.

“This is a team victory. My team-mates did an amazing job working together,” a humble Hamlin said.

“I don’t know where that came from, I don’t know what happened, I don’t even know what I did.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the Toyotas sticking together all race long.”

It was the first Daytona 500 victory for Joe Gibbs Racing since Dale Jarrett in 1993.

Hamlin was the first driver to win the Unlimited and Daytona 500 in the same year a feat not achieved since Jarrett in 2000.

Kyle Busch claimed third to supply Toyota with a top three shutout of the race after the marque had late in the race filled the first five positions.

Matt Kenseth was leading until the dying stages when he had a huge moment as Hamlin was making his charge which saw him tumble down the finishing order to 14th.

Kevin Harvick was fourth ahead of Carl Edwards, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Regan Smith, Austin Dillon with Kurt Busch completing the top 10.

Despite the agony of coming up within millimetres of victory Truex jr was thrilled to be part of one of the best finishes in the famous race’s history.

“I’m really proud of that. I probably should have run him up a little bit more, but I thought I was close enough.” Truex jr said.

Dale Earnhardt jr suffered a heavy crash with 30 laps to go as he was making his way forward in sixth.

Polesitter Chase Elliott could not realise a dream weekend following his Xfinity win, crashing heavily just 20 laps in.

Danica Patrick brought out the sixth caution of the race after making contact with Greg Biffle with 16 laps remaining.

Full Daytona 500 results

Sprint Cup standings

VIDEO: Chase Elliott crash

VIDEO: Dale Earnhardt jr crash

VIDEO: The thrilling final moments

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