Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in recent NASCAR Cup Series playoff races, is set to gain a significant advantage as he heads to Las Vegas with his team back at full strength. This Denny Hamlin NASCAR playoff boost comes after two key crew members return, just as the pivotal Round of 8 begins at the South Point 400.
Hamlin Draws Attention with Controversy-Filled Playoff Campaign
Throughout the last three playoff events, Denny Hamlin has been at the center of intense moments despite not taking a victory in any of them. At New Hampshire, Hamlin collided with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs. He followed that by impacting 23XI Racing‘s Bubba Wallace‘s winning chances at Kansas—an incident with added weight, given Hamlin’s co-ownership of Bubba’s team.
The drama continued during the race at the Charlotte Roval. On the final lap, Hamlin passed Ross Chastain, unintentionally aiding rival Joey Logano‘s advance to the next playoff round. Each event has placed Hamlin and his decision-making under the spotlight, testing both his resilience and his connection to Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing.
Full Crew Returns in Time for Las Vegas Showdown
A decisive factor for the upcoming Las Vegas race is the reunion of Hamlin’s pit crew. After Bristol, the No. 11 Toyota team lost front tire changer Austin Maloney and jackman Joel-Alexandre Bouagnon to two-race suspensions because of a wheel detachment penalty. Joe Gibbs Racing opted to delay these suspensions by one event, resulting in their absence from Kansas and Charlotte.
Now, as Hamlin prepares for Las Vegas, both Maloney and Bouagnon are cleared to return. The timing is crucial, as the South Point 400 (Sunday, 5:30 p.m. ET, USA Network) marks the first race of the Round of 8, with every detail factoring into the quest for the Cup Series title.
Momentum and Standing Heading Into Vegas
Hamlin began the 2023 playoffs strong, securing a win at St. Louis to ensure advancement to the Round of 12. Despite negative attention during recent weekends, he demonstrated his competitive form, finishing second at Kansas, and proving his Toyota still boasts the necessary speed for championship contention.
As the action shifts to Las Vegas, Hamlin leads the playoff standings, eight points clear of the elimination line. Joe Gibbs Racing and their driver will benefit from a reunited pit crew, which could be a defining element as Hamlin searches for his first Cup Series championship, following an already accomplished career of 59 race victories.
Significance for Hamlin and the NASCAR Playoffs
With the return of Austin Maloney and Joel-Alexandre Bouagnon, Hamlin’s team will be at full operational capacity, offering him the best support possible during a critical playoff phase. Both Hamlin and his contemporaries—such as Joey Logano, Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace, and Ross Chastain—face increasing intensity as NASCAR’s postseason advances. The Round of 8 opener in Las Vegas presents a stage where team cohesion and race execution will be pivotal in deciding who moves one step closer to the championship.
