Bowyer deflates hopes of Hamlin, Junior

RICHMOND, Va. -- Rarely has the ending of a NASCAR race featured as many subplots as the final laps of Saturday night's Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond International Raceway that left winner Clint Bowyer more startled than anything.

Local favorite Denny Hamlin's quest for a wire-to-wire victory and a weekend sweep were deflated by a cut right front tire with 20 laps to go, followed by a mystifying stop on the track to bring the next-to-last caution.

That created an opportunity for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to end a 71-race Cup victory drought before he traded paint with Kyle Busch, the driver he replaced at Hendrick Motorsports. The contact dropped Earnhardt to 15th and left his numerous fans noticeably displeased with the runner-up Busch.

Bowyer emerged from the scrum with his first victory of the season for Richard Childress Racing, while Busch took over ...