Denny Hamlin decided to take a risk by staying out on the track with old tires, and the risk paid off for him as he won Stage 2 at Kansas Speedway.
Hamlin held off Kevin Harvick, who was on new tires, for the stage win. Harvick was followed by Brad Keselowski, Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch to round out the top five.
.@DennyHamlin took home the Stage 2 win at Kansas Speedway in a one-lap shootout! #DennyDelivers #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/1xVsr7I4J5
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 22, 2017
Related: On the brink of elimination, playoff driver wins Stage 1 at Kansas for much needed points
Hamlin and Keselowski were penalized for speeding on pit road after the stage ended. But Hamlin likely earned himself enough points to advance to the Round of 8.
After Hamlin pitted, he also had a miscommunication with his crew and lost time leaving pit road. It cost him a few seconds, and he entered the track in 17th.
Kyle Busch has led for 97 laps, and he won Stage 1 of the race and earn playoff points he desperately needed.
(h/t NBC Sports)