Denny Hamlin's pit crew plays big part in All-Star win

Denny Hamlin may be getting all the credit - and the $1 million prize - for driving his No. 11 Toyota to a victory in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, but his pit crew should get a little acknowledgement too.

Hamlin's pit crew helped their driver gain five spots, and get to the front of the pack, during the mandatory four-tire pit stop before the race's final 10-lap segment at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The cars entered pit road after the first four 25-lap segments in order of average finish. The top five were Brad Keselowski, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon. Hamlin was nowhere in sight.

The 34-year-old won the pole position prior to the All-Star Race, earning him pit stall No. 1. Being closest to the exit, and having a fast four-tire change, Hamlin was first off pit road.

He led the field for the entire final segment and crossed the finish line .823 seconds before Harvick.

The victory was Hamlin's, and Joe Gibbs Racing's, first in a Sprint All-Star Race.