With tears streaming down his face, Denny Hamlin stood victorious at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, clutching his sixth checkered flag in a moment that transcended just another win. It was the 60th victory of his storied NASCAR career, and more than just a milestone—it was a tribute to his father, who had been his guiding light since childhood. The win not only secured his first spot in NASCAR’s winner-take-all championship finale but also solidified Hamlin’s place among the sport’s elite.
Hamlin’s journey to this moment has been long and emotional. After years of near-misses, including several close calls at the Cup Series title, he is now on the verge of securing what has long eluded him: a championship. This victory at Las Vegas was a statement, not only because of the milestone itself but because of the personal and emotional significance it carried.
At 44 years old, Hamlin is no longer a young up-and-comer. He’s a seasoned veteran with three Daytona 500 victories to his name, but the one thing that had consistently escaped him was a Cup Series title. He had been considered the best driver to never win the championship, a moniker that had followed him through his career. However, this victory—coming just weeks after a crushing near-miss at Kansas Speedway—has him one step closer to rewriting that narrative.
A Victory for Family
Hamlin’s victory was deeply personal. His father, a 75-year-old man who had been his biggest supporter throughout his racing career, has been battling serious health issues, which made this win all the more emotional. With tears welling in his eyes, Hamlin reflected on the sacrifices his father had made to get him to this point. He recalled how his father introduced him to racing at a young age, taking him to tracks when he was just five years old and making significant financial sacrifices to support his son’s racing dreams.
“My dad is just not doing well, and he’s the one who got me into racing,” Hamlin shared after the race, his voice trembling with emotion. “He made all the sacrifices to keep me going. We almost lost our house a couple of times just to make sure I could keep racing. I’m glad he was able to see me reach 60 wins—that was so important to me.”
In a sport where victory is often seen as the ultimate achievement, Hamlin’s 60th win was not just for him—it was a tribute to his father’s unwavering support. As the race drew to a close, Hamlin made his final push, powered by the thought of his father watching from home. It was a victory that represented years of struggle, sacrifice, and dreams finally coming to fruition.
A Historic Win
The race itself was a dramatic one. Hamlin faced fierce competition, with his Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) teammate Chase Briscoe and Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson making strong pushes for the win. But Hamlin, who opted to take four fresh tires during the final pit stop, was able to slice through the pack in the closing laps.
Restarting in fifth position, Hamlin quickly passed Joey Logano, who had only taken two tires, and then worked his way past Larson, who was also on a two-tire strategy. With just a few laps remaining, Hamlin made the decisive move, overtaking Briscoe to take the lead and hold on for the victory.
This win, Hamlin said, was one of the most significant of his career, not just because it marked his 60th win but because it was a culmination of everything he had worked for—an achievement that he could share with his family and the team that had supported him through thick and thin. Hamlin also credited his new crew chief, Chris Gayle, for making the necessary adjustments during the final pit stop that set up the victory.
“I can’t imagine a win bigger than this one,” Hamlin said in his post-race interview. “I’ve worked so hard for this, and I finally got it. I’m just so thankful.”
Hamlin’s Championship Hopes Reignite
With this victory, Hamlin has earned a coveted spot in NASCAR’s championship finale, marking his return to the title hunt for the first time since 2021. As Joe Gibbs Racing’s winningest driver, Hamlin has been a constant contender, but a Cup Series title has continued to elude him. This win has breathed new life into his championship aspirations.
The road to the championship will not be easy, but Hamlin is now in a position to chase the elusive title. His win in Las Vegas was not just a victory in itself but also a declaration that Hamlin is as determined as ever to prove he belongs among NASCAR’s greats.
“It’s a long road, but I’m ready for it,” Hamlin said. “I’ve got everything in place, and I’ve got the team to do it.”
Tough Times for Others in the Playoffs
While Hamlin celebrated his victory, others in the playoff field faced tough luck. Kyle Larson, who had been in the hunt for his first win in 20 races, finished second in his Chevrolet. Larson had led the race at various points but was unable to hold off Hamlin in the final laps. Despite his second-place finish, Larson remains one of the top contenders in the playoffs.
Chase Briscoe, another JGR driver, finished in fourth place, further solidifying the strength of Joe Gibbs Racing heading into the next rounds of the playoffs. However, other drivers such as Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, and Tyler Reddick—while still in the playoff hunt—faced challenges of their own.
One of the most heartbreaking moments of the race came when William Byron, who had been in the top positions for much of the race, found himself involved in a race-ending crash. Byron, who had been running in second place, collided with Ty Dillon after Dillon slowed to head to pit road, leaving Byron devastated after the accident.
The race also saw Ryan Blaney’s hopes for a second consecutive championship take a significant hit. Blaney, who was second in points at the start of the race, suffered a tire issue that caused him to crash into the wall. The crash ended his race early, and Blaney finished 38th. The 2023 Cup Series champion is now facing an uphill battle as he enters the final two races of the round.
Reddick’s Heartbreaking Situation
Tyler Reddick, who was eliminated from the playoffs in the previous round, continues to race through a personal crisis. His infant son, Rookie, has been diagnosed with a serious health condition requiring surgery to remove a non-functioning kidney. Despite the grave circumstances, Reddick has remained focused on his racing career, demonstrating incredible strength both on and off the track. As his son faces surgery, Reddick remains determined to race through this challenging time.
The Road Ahead
With two races remaining in this round of the NASCAR playoffs, Denny Hamlin’s victory at Las Vegas has put him back in the championship conversation. As the playoffs heat up, the focus now shifts to the upcoming races at Talladega Superspeedway and beyond. For Hamlin, however, this victory is just the beginning. With the championship now in his sights, the next few weeks will be crucial as he looks to turn his historic 60th win into a NASCAR Cup Series title.
