Denny Hamlin‘s winning strategy over William Byron at Michigan unfolded in dramatic fashion late in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race, as Hamlin conserved enough fuel to seize victory while Byron’s bid ran dry just before the checkered flag. The intense closing laps at Michigan International Speedway highlighted tactical decisions and heartbreak for top contenders.
Byron’s Race Takes a Turn with Late Fuel Miscalculation
William Byron appeared destined for a strong finish at Michigan, dominating in the final stages of the event and setting his sights on Victory Lane. Driving his No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro, Byron led as the laps wound down, but his fortunes changed with fewer than two laps remaining when his car ran out of fuel, ultimately relegating him to 28th place. The tension of the two-mile oval track was on full display as the race’s lead exchanged hands amidst unexpected setbacks.
The final 20 laps were marked by a fierce contest between Byron and Carson Hocevar. Hocevar had established a commanding lead before disaster struck on Lap 182, when his tire failure ended his run for the front. This incident handed the lead back to Byron, who faced relentless pressure from Denny Hamlin trailing closely behind.
Reflecting on the critical moments, Byron shared his perspective:
“When I was in second, it was like, ‘OK, I can save here a little bit and maybe manage. And then when I got the lead with the 77’s flat, then it was like, ‘OK, I’m in a really good spot to manage because I can just kind of pace it here.’ And it just didn’t pan out that way.”
—William Byron, Driver
Hamlin’s Fueled Approach Pays Off
While Byron fought to conserve fuel and maintain his lead, Hamlin faced no such restrictions. Confident that he had enough gas to push until the finish, Hamlin kept close behind Byron, waiting for an opening. As Byron’s tank ran dry, Hamlin surged forward to claim his 57th career victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. The episode highlighted the risks involved in trying to balance pace with fuel management, a lesson that became painfully clear for Byron in the closing moments.
Hamlin Breaks Down His Winning Tactics
After the race, Hamlin offered insight into the mindset that secured his Michigan win. He recognized vulnerabilities in Byron’s approach and leveraged every available advantage on track.
“And I just saw some vulnerabilities with his car that, after running right on his bumper for 10 laps, I was able to pick him apart or pick the car apart and capitalize on this one spot of the track that I thought that I could get him. It’s a cat-and-mouse game.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Byron was left to process the disappointment as he recounted the duel with Hamlin. He struggled to effectively manage fuel while holding off his rival’s aggressive pursuit.
“That’s what kind of drew him [Hamlin] in. It just seemed like he could run hard. It didn’t seem like he had to worry about fuel at all. I was having to do both.”
—William Byron, Driver
Looking Ahead to the Next Race
The Michigan showdown marked the 15th round of the Cup Series season, laying bare the fine margins that separate triumph from defeat. Hamlin’s tactical acumen and awareness of his competitor’s vulnerabilities carried him to victory, while Byron’s heartbreak underlined the unforgiving nature of fuel strategy in high-stakes racing. The NASCAR Cup Series now looks ahead to its next event in Mexico City, where Byron and others will be hungry for redemption and a fresh shot at the checkered flag.
