Hamlin replaces Almirola-wins Busch race at Milwaukee

[Realtree]

Aric Almirola started the race in the #20 Rockwell Automation Chevy, led the first 42 laps in the #20, but the call was made for Hamlin to get in the car and on lap 58 the driver change was made.

The #20-Rockwell Automation Chevy wound up a lap down. A debris caution allowed Hamlin to pick up the lucky dog pass and it didn't take Hamlin long to move to the front and take over the lead. Because Almirola started the race, he is considered the winner and will get credit for the points earned. This was Almirola's third top-10 finish in 11 races this season.

ESPN2 reported that no driver has ever won a Busch Series in relief of another driver, the last time it was done in Nextel Cup was when Darrell Waltrip relieved Donnie Allison, August 7, 1977 at Talladega. But later NASCAR announced that in April 1985, Harry Gant filled in for Jack Ingram at the Darlington Busch Series race and went on to win and the credit went to Ingram.

Denny Hamlin was flying from Sonoma to Milwaukee and the helicopter could not land at the helipad due to cars being parked on it, and had to land at a nearby airport. Aric Almirola, who won the pole in the #20 Rockwell Chevy at the Milwaukee Mile, started the race and lead 42 laps, and on lap 58 a caution came out, Almirola was called to pit, where Hamlin got in the car. Almirola refused to be interviewed and left the track before the end of the race and didn't celebrate his first win.