Harvick takes checkered flag at AAA 400

DOVER, DE (WTVB) – Defending Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick advanced to the field of 12 in the Chase for the Championship by winning yesterday’s AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sunday. Harvick dominated, leading 355 of the 400 laps to clinch an automatic berth in the second round of NASCAR’s playoffs. Harvick entered the race in 15th in the standings and needed a victory to advance. Kyle Busch finished second while Dale Earnhardt Jr. was third. The “Contender 12” heading into Saturday night’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is set. The field consists of Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards, Martin Truex Jr., Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman and Earnhardt Jr.  Six-time champion Jimmie Johnson has been eliminated.