Denny Hamlin made headlines in NASCAR Cup Series news on Sunday by capturing an intense victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the South Point 400. Racing fiercely, Hamlin held off a strong challenge from Kyle Larson to clinch his 60th career win and become the first to qualify for the Championship 4 finale, putting himself within reach of a long-coveted driver’s championship.
Hamlin, who is already considered a future Hall of Famer, achieved a major milestone that had eluded him throughout his career at stock car racing’s highest level. After winning the race, Hamlin explained his determination and the risks he was willing to take in pursuit of victory.
That’s all I could do is just go for it,
Hamlin told USA after claiming the win.
I felt like I had nothing to lose.
Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Milestone Achieved: 60th Win and a Shot at Championship Glory
The win at Las Vegas marked more than just another checkered flag for Hamlin; it tied him with Kevin Harvick for 10th on NASCAR’s all-time wins list. Social media exploded as fans and NASCAR’s own channels recognized the significance of this achievement. Hamlin’s performance not only cemented his place among the sport’s elite but also realized his enduring ambition to hit 60 victories.
Denny Hamlin is leaving his mark all the way to @LVMotorSpeedway Victory Lane! pic.twitter.com/NPvGsBF7gI
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) October 13, 2025
With this win, Hamlin fulfilled a goal that had motivated him through multiple seasons and close finishes at the Cup level.
He said 60 was the goal.
Well @dennyhamlin, you can cross this milestone off the list! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/6guVhPpWHL
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Race Day Highlights and Key Moments From Las Vegas
The day began with excitement as Glen Powell, known for his role in The Running Man, gave the call to start the engines at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, energizing fans and drivers alike.
Fire ’em up, @glenpowell. 👏 pic.twitter.com/mUxXBLu6ll
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Soon after the green flag dropped, the field charged into the first laps, signaling the official start of the Round of 8 in this year’s playoffs.
All bets are off! The Round of 8 starts right now!
We are underway at @LVMotorSpeedway, live on @USANetwork! pic.twitter.com/8eFl80oyzP
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
The race featured drama early on, with 2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney suffering a setback after hitting the wall on Lap 72, a moment with clear playoff implications.
Huge playoff implications on Lap 72! @Blaney has trouble and gets into the wall. pic.twitter.com/MoCg5bEGHx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
The competitive nature of the race was apparent as William Byron worked hard for crucial Stage 1 playoff points, setting the tone for a day where every position mattered.
Those are huge points for @WilliamByron!
He wins the opening stage at @LVMotorSpeedway. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/IJdP4mXaQM
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Kyle Larson emerged as a dominant force, taking control during the race and showing exceptional pace. His well-timed move to the front underscored his determination in the playoffs.
The inside row stacks up!
Larson capitalizes, and takes the lead! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gANXdwYvQc
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Larson went on to secure additional valuable points by winning Stage 2, leading 74 laps and building momentum as the race entered its critical phases.
No slowing down @KyleLarsonRacin right now!
He leads 74 laps en route to the Stage 2 victory. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/yv9QXhDBLk
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Challenges and Turning Points on the Road to Victory
Even with his eyes on the prize, Hamlin faced adversity. A slow pit stop by his Number 11 crew forced him to regroup after losing several positions, adding yet another challenge to an already demanding race.
A slow stop for the No. 11 causes @dennyhamlin to lose several positions. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/sgd33iwuhx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
The race’s complexity increased in the final laps. Less than 20 circuits from the finish, Christopher Bell triggered a significant wreck in Turn 1, crashing Ty Gibbs into the wall and sweeping up several competitors, reshuffling the running order as tensions soared.
There’s contact on the restart, and multiple cars go spinning. pic.twitter.com/L8hV6gV8SN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Amid the chaos, Chase Briscoe momentarily led late in the third stage, with Hamlin and Larson close behind as the finish approached.
There are less than 10 laps to go in Las Vegas!
Briscoe leads, but Larson and Hamlin are there! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/o4kNuE1u8B
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Hamlin surged when it mattered most, regaining the lead in a decisive move as the laps ran out.
Here comes Hamlin again … and takes the lead
With relentless focus, Hamlin pushed through, earning his spot in the next round.
Held it to the floor. Phoenix bound. https://t.co/8ll1oxoqGq pic.twitter.com/vkosovJ6D0
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 13, 2025
The emotional toll of the race was evident as tears flowed in celebration of Hamlin’s triumphant comeback from setbacks earlier in the event.
We see those tears. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ChwHasKsxZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Playoff Picture and What Lies Ahead for Championship Contenders
Following Hamlin’s pivotal win, the stakes intensified for the rest of the playoff field. Only one spot has been claimed for the Championship 4, leaving three coveted berths up for grabs as other contenders—like Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell—continue their fight for supremacy.
Three #Championship4 tickets remain.
Who’s next to join @dennyhamlin? pic.twitter.com/NGo2y2b7kJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
The South Point 400 victory ensures that Hamlin can now turn his focus to Phoenix, where the NASCAR Cup Series title will ultimately be decided. For Hamlin, finally adding a championship to his long list of accomplishments would complete his celebrated career and secure his status among racing legends.
One #Championship4 spot is now taken!
Let’s talk about @dennyhamlin’s win and much more on Inside the Race!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
With a turbulent and intensely fought Las Vegas race now complete, NASCAR Cup Series news turns to the upcoming battles for the remaining Championship 4 places. Fans, drivers, and teams await the closing playoff rounds to see if Hamlin can continue his run and finally capture the elusive NASCAR Cup Series title.
Denny Hamlin is leaving his mark all the way to @LVMotorSpeedway Victory Lane! pic.twitter.com/NPvGsBF7gI
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) October 13, 2025
He said 60 was the goal.
Well @dennyhamlin, you can cross this milestone off the list! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/6guVhPpWHL
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Fire 'em up, @glenpowell. 👏 pic.twitter.com/mUxXBLu6ll
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
All bets are off! The Round of 8 starts right now!
We are underway at @LVMotorSpeedway, live on @USANetwork! pic.twitter.com/8eFl80oyzP
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Huge playoff implications on Lap 72! @Blaney has trouble and gets into the wall. pic.twitter.com/MoCg5bEGHx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Those are huge points for @WilliamByron!
He wins the opening stage at @LVMotorSpeedway. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/IJdP4mXaQM
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
The inside row stacks up!
Larson capitalizes, and takes the lead! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gANXdwYvQc
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
No slowing down @KyleLarsonRacin right now!
He leads 74 laps en route to the Stage 2 victory. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/yv9QXhDBLk
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
A slow stop for the No. 11 causes @dennyhamlin to lose several positions. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/sgd33iwuhx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
There's contact on the restart, and multiple cars go spinning. pic.twitter.com/L8hV6gV8SN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
There are less than 10 laps to go in Las Vegas!
Briscoe leads, but Larson and Hamlin are there! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/o4kNuE1u8B
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Held it to the floor. Phoenix bound. https://t.co/8ll1oxoqGq pic.twitter.com/vkosovJ6D0
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 13, 2025
We see those tears. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ChwHasKsxZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Three #Championship4 tickets remain.
Who's next to join @dennyhamlin? pic.twitter.com/NGo2y2b7kJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
One #Championship4 spot is now taken!
Let's talk about @dennyhamlin's win and much more on Inside the Race!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
