Denny Hamlin captured an unexpected win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday night, overtaking teammate Chase Briscoe after the final restart to achieve a significant milestone—his 60th career NASCAR Cup Series victory. This Denny Hamlin Las Vegas victory not only capped his determined season pursuit of sixty wins but also locked him into the Championship Four for the first time since 2021.
Although Hamlin was not favored to win the race, his perseverance through ups and downs this season placed him back in the spotlight when it counted most. Entering the race with 54 victories to his name, Hamlin had to battle through both self-inflicted setbacks and unpredictable race outcomes in search of this landmark achievement. His efforts included a recent crash at Kansas while driving a 23XI Racing car in a bid for victory—a race he admitted meant more to him than most.
Season Challenges and Race Day Uncertainty
On his route to sixty wins, Hamlin saw both triumphs and stumbles. Two weeks prior, his ill-fated Kansas race with Bubba Wallace’s car showed just how high the stakes felt for him. A week later, at the Charlotte ROVAL, Hamlin’s pass on Ross Chastain—unbeknownst to him—helped Joey Logano, a favorite for the Championship Four, advance further in the playoffs. Each race demonstrated how thin the line was between victory and disappointment in the intensely competitive world of NASCAR.
Despite qualifying on pole position for the Las Vegas event, Hamlin remained cautious about his chances. Even as his closest friends and family traveled to the Nevada track in hope, he kept his own expectations measured until the checkered flag fell.
Reactions and Emotional Response After the Win
Crossing the finish line first, Hamlin outpaced Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell. Overwhelmed, Hamlin held back tears during his live interview, the emotion of the milestone evident. Reflecting on the moment, he delivered heartfelt words to fans, loved ones, and his inner circle.
“This is usually the point where I give the fans some shit, but not today. I appreciate all of you so much.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Gathering himself, Hamlin continued to acknowledge those supporting him:
“I want to say hi to my dad, my family, and all the friends that came to Las Vegas, hoping we would get 60, I didn’t think we would.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Notable Performances and Race Standings
Chase Briscoe, who led at the start of the final restart, slipped to fourth place on a two-tire strategy. He finished just ahead of Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing, who was the highest finishing driver not in the current playoff hunt. Joey Logano recovered from earlier race difficulties to secure a sixth-place finish, followed by Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman, still searching for his season’s first victory.
The top ten at Las Vegas included Kyle Busch, Ryan Precce, and Brad Keselowski, while Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell rounded out the podium for their teams. Other noted drivers in the field included Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, and several key figures vying for playoff positions or milestone achievements in NASCAR’s high-stakes autumn races.
The Broader Impact of Hamlin’s Win
This moment in Las Vegas not only solidifies Hamlin’s place among modern NASCAR greats but energizes the Championship Four race heading deeper into the season. With momentum and emotion on his side, Hamlin’s journey from adversity back to victory showcases both resilience and the unpredictable spirit of motorsport. As the NASCAR calendar advances, attention turns to the finale, where Hamlin and his competitors will battle for the championship, their season’s stories intertwining in pursuit of glory.
MOVE HAMLIN TO THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/Qq1Wbm75BW
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
