Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as we dive into the world of NASCAR!
Denny Hamlin's Historic Victory
In a heart-pounding race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin etched his name into NASCAR history. With a career-defining 60th Cup Series triumph, Hamlin became the first driver to secure a spot in the championship-deciding finale. But here's where it gets controversial: Hamlin, often regarded as the best driver in NASCAR history without a Cup title, is back in the winner-take-all race for the first time since 2021.
With this win, Hamlin ties Kevin Harvick for 10th place on NASCAR's career victories list, solidifying his legacy in Joe Gibbs Racing history.
Two weeks prior, Hamlin's hopes of dedicating a victory to his ailing father were dashed at Kansas Speedway. However, he didn't let that deter him, and at Las Vegas, he made good on his promise. Hamlin's emotional victory was dedicated to his father, who was also rooting for his son to reach the 60-win milestone. As he drove his Toyota to collect the 60th checkered flag, it was clear that this win meant more than just a number.
"It definitely means a lot. I usually give the fans some flak, but not today," Hamlin said, composing himself on the frontstretch. "I appreciate all of you so much. This one's for my dad, my family, and all the friends who came out to Vegas. We did it!"
Hamlin's strategy paid off as he took four tires on the final restart, restarting in fifth place. He sliced through traffic, passing Logano and Kyle Larson, and finally taking the lead from his teammate, Chase Briscoe.
This deep playoff run is a testament to the work of Hamlin's new crew chief, Chris Gayle, who has advanced further than ever before. Hamlin credited the adjustments made during the final pit stop for his sixth win of the season, his most since 2020.
"Chris did an incredible job getting the car just right. I held it down and gave it my all. I felt like I had nothing to lose. I'm still in shock; I didn't think we'd win those last 15 laps."
Kyle Larson, seeking to end a 20-race losing streak, finished second in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe came in third and fourth, respectively, followed by Tyler Reddick, who drives for Hamlin's 23XI Racing team, in fifth. Reigning Cup Series champion Joey Logano rounded out the top six.
The playoff field is still wide open, with five of the top six drivers still in contention. Chase Elliott, who finished 18th, Daytona 500 winner William Byron in 36th, and Ryan Blaney in 38th, are all still in the running.
A Devastating Crash and a Heartbreaking Story
William Byron's race took a turn for the worse when he wiggled out of the groove with 35 laps remaining, narrowly avoiding a crash. However, his teammate, Kyle Larson, sailed past him for the lead. Minutes later, Byron was involved in a race-ending crash when he collided with Ty Dillon, unaware that Dillon was slowing down to head to the pit road.
"I never saw him wave; I had no indication he was pitting. I had no idea. I'm devastated. I wouldn't have driven into him full speed," Byron said.
With two races remaining in this round, the bottom four drivers in the playoff standings are Byron, Elliott, Logano, and Blaney.
Blaney's Title Hopes Take a Hit
Ryan Blaney, who was second in points at the start of the race, saw his title hopes take a severe blow when a tire issue caused him to crash into the wall with nine laps remaining in the first stage. His race ended immediately, and he finished 38th, dropping to the bottom of the eight-driver playoff round.
As the 2023 Cup Series champion, Blaney finds himself in a must-win situation at Talladega Superspeedway, where he has won three times.
"You've got to stay optimistic. I'm not happy right now, but I'll be optimistic tomorrow. We've had success at the next two events, so we'll bring the speed and try to dig ourselves out of this hole."
Reddick's Race Amidst Family Challenges
Tyler Reddick, who was eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, continues to race despite serious health complications facing his infant son. Alexa Reddick shared an update last week, revealing that their four-month-old son, Rookie, has a tumor affecting his renal vein and artery, causing an enlarged heart. Doctors have determined that the kidney is no longer functioning, and Rookie will need it removed.
Alexa Reddick posted on social media before Sunday's race that Rookie will have surgery on Tuesday and will be moved to a unit to monitor his heart and blood pressure while his renal function drops.
A NASCAR Debut and a New Role
Rob Edwards, the longtime team principal of the Andretti Global IndyCar program, made his NASCAR debut this weekend in his new role with the overall ownership group. Edwards will transition into the role of chief performance officer for TWG Motorsports, which owns teams across various racing series.
Edwards anticipates attending about half a dozen NASCAR races next year with Spire Motorsports.
Andretti Global recently named Ron Ruzewski, one of three fired Team Penske executives from an Indianapolis 500 scandal, as its new IndyCar team principal.
Up Next
NASCAR heads to Talladega Superspeedway next Sunday, where Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is the defending race winner. Stehouse, however, is not part of the playoff field.
Will Hamlin's emotional victory propel him towards the championship? Can Blaney recover from his setback? And how will Reddick's personal challenges impact his racing? Stay tuned as the NASCAR Cup Series heats up!
