Three of the biggest names in the NASCAR Cup Series and perennial championship contenders, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and Chase Elliott, are still looking for their first win of 2021 season and their ticket to the Playoffs.
Last season, Harvick (nine), Hamlin (seven) and Elliott (five) were the three winningest drivers of the year; combining to visit Victory Lane in 21 of the 36 events (58.3%).
But this season, all three are still looking to capture a win 11 races into the year. All three have come close to winning, Elliott has finished runner-up twice (Daytona 500 and Martinsville), both Hamlin (Richmond) and Harvick (Kansas) have finished second once this season.
But looking to Throwback Weekend at Darlington on Sunday, all that longing for a victory could be vanquished for one of the three. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Kevin Harvick has made 26 starts at Darlington posting two poles, three wins – including two last season, 11 top fives and 15 top 10s. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin has also found success at Darlington, in 17 starts he has one pole, three wins, nine top-five and 13 top-10 finishes. Hamlin has also won five times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington. Hendrick Motorsport’s driver and 2020 series champion Chase Elliott has yet to win in the Cup Series at the ‘Lady in Black’ but does have 2014 win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In total, Elliott has made just eight NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington collecting two top fives and three top 10s.
