Denny Hamlin NASCAR Charlotte Roval became the focal point for dramatic playoff action on Sunday as drivers battled at the Charlotte Motor Speedway‘s road course. The playoff elimination race narrowed the field from 12 to 8, with Ross Chastain and Denny Hamlin at the center of an incident in the final corner that altered both their outcomes.
Final Lap Drama Alters Playoff Picture
The race results for the Charlotte Roval on October 5, 2025, underscored just how tight the playoff margins were. As competitors took on the closing lap, Ross Chastain was one point below the playoff advancement cutoff. About to make his final move, Chastain found Denny Hamlin directly ahead as they approached the last corner.
Attempting to advance, Chastain pushed his car aggressively into the corner, making hard contact with Hamlin’s bumper. The collision resulted in both drivers spinning. In the chaos, they each grabbed reverse gear and crossed the finish line backwards, but this maneuver cost Chastain dearly—several drivers overtook him, leading to his elimination from the playoff round.
Reactions from Drivers and Aftermath
After the race concluded, Hamlin and Chastain met briefly on pit lane to discuss the incident. Hamlin gave his perspective on the crash and Chastain’s actions:
“Obviously, the No. 1 was in a position there and we got caught in it. I don’t fault Ross at all.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
The final moments were described as highly charged, as social media coverage and trackside fans responded to the last-gasp playoff effort. The chaos highlighted the pressure and unpredictability of the NASCAR playoffs at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Significance of the Result and What Lies Ahead
The playoff field has now been reduced to eight drivers, changing the championship outlook for both Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain. While Hamlin escaped major consequence in the round, Chastain’s bold attempt resulted in his exit from playoff contention. This finish illustrates the unforgiving nature of the NASCAR postseason, especially on challenging road courses like the Charlotte Roval, and sets the stage for further high-stakes battles as the playoffs continue.
A frantic finish with the final #NASCARPlayoffs berth on the line!! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/c5Or26Drwb
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 5, 2025
