Denny Hamlin has secured his place in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race after a strong performance at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The race marked the beginning of the third round of the playoffs, and Hamlin’s victory was his sixth this season, bringing his career total to 60 wins. This milestone ties him with Kevin Harvick for the tenth most all-time wins in the series.
Denny Hamlin’s Historic Win
At 44 years old, Hamlin became the oldest driver to win at Las Vegas and is making his return to the Championship 4 race for the first time in four years. This upcoming race marks his fifth appearance in the Championship 4, following previous attempts in 2014, 2019, 2020, and 2021. His success on the track was not without challenges, as he faced two slow pit stops and a missed shift at the race’s start.
Playoff Standings and Results
Hamlin’s victory not only illustrates his skill but also his resilience, as he overcame adversity faced by several playoff drivers. The finishing positions at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway are as follows:
| Position | Driver | Car Number | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denny Hamlin | No. 11 | Toyota |
| 2 | Kyle Larson | No. 5 | Chevrolet |
| 3 | Christopher Bell | No. 20 | Toyota |
| 4 | Chase Briscoe | No. 19 | Toyota |
| 5 | Tyler Reddick | No. 45 | Toyota |
| 6 | Joey Logano | No. 22 | Ford |
| 7 | Alex Bowman | No. 48 | Chevrolet |
| 8 | Kyle Busch | No. 8 | Chevrolet |
| 9 | Ryan Preece | No. 60 | Ford |
| 10 | Brad Keselowski | No. 6 | Ford |
Other notable playoff drivers faced difficulties. Chase Elliott, for instance, finished 18th following a penalty for an uncontrolled tire. William Byron and Ryan Blaney encountered crashes, finishing 36th and 38th respectively, and fell below the playoff cutline.
Current Playoff Standings
The latest standings among the eight remaining playoff contenders show:
- Kyle Larson: +35 points above the cutline
- Christopher Bell: +20 points above the cutline
- Chase Briscoe: +15 points above the cutline
- William Byron: -15 points below the cutline
- Chase Elliott: -23 points below the cutline
- Joey Logano: -24 points below the cutline
- Ryan Blaney: -31 points below the cutline
Denny Hamlin’s victory not only sets him up for championship contention but also showcases his determination to reclaim the title in the NASCAR Cup Series.
