Excited Hamlin: Victory 60 and NASCAR Final Dedicated to His Father

Denny Hamlin Celebrates His 60th Victory with Emotion in Las Vegas

In an emotional moment at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin achieved his sixth checkered flag of the season, marking his 60th career victory. This triumph not only represents a personal achievement, but also secures him a place in the NASCAR championship final. Hamlin, visibly moved, dedicated this important victory to his father, who is facing health problems. The 44-year-old driver, recognized as one of the best without having won the Cup title, returns to the championship race for the first time since 2021. Furthermore, he is the most successful driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and now also for Toyota.

“I’m glad you were able to see the 60th victory. That was very important to me,” Hamlin declared.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin, who equals Kevin Harvick in tenth place for all-time NASCAR wins, couldn’t hold back the tears after an intense battle in the last ten laps. He managed to overtake Kyle Larson and his JGR teammate, Chase Briscoe. Hamlin had expressed his disappointment after failing to win in Kansas, feeling he had let his father down. In the race, Hamlin opted to change all four tires on the last stop, which allowed him to move up from fifth position. He managed to overtake Joey Logano, who only had two new tires, and then passed Larson and Briscoe, who also had two new tires. This victory could be the most significant of his career, according to Hamlin. Team principal Chris Gayle, who has led Hamlin to his best position in the playoffs, was also key in this victory. Joe Gibbs, moved by Hamlin’s dedication, expressed his emotion about it. In the race, Larson finished in second place, followed by Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe. Tyler Reddick, who races for 23XI Racing, and the defending Cup champion, Joey Logano, completed the top six. Among the playoff drivers, Chase Elliott finished in 18th position, while William Byron and Ryan Blaney had setbacks. Blaney, who started the race in second place in the standings, suffered an accident that severely affected his chances in the championship. Now, he faces a crucial situation at Talladega Superspeedway, where he will seek a must-win victory. The next NASCAR race will take place at Talladega Superspeedway.