On Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin delivered a stirring performance by racing to victory and dedicating the moment to his ailing father, marking a pivotal chapter in the long tradition of family legacy within NASCAR. This Denny Hamlin emotional Las Vegas win not only secured his team a spot in the upcoming championship race in Phoenix but also revealed the deep bonds between a son, his father, and the father figures who guided his celebrated career.
Family Traditions Continue in NASCAR’s High Speeds
The world of NASCAR is no stranger to generational bonds, with legendary surnames like Petty, Allison, Baker, Jarrett, Earnhardt, and Elliott weaving family histories through the sport’s fabric. For Hamlin, this connection is just as strong, even though his father was never a NASCAR competitor. Instead, Hamlin’s father introduced him to auto racing and made considerable personal sacrifices to sustain his son’s racing aspirations, despite the mounting costs that eventually outgrew their family resources.
A Tearful Dedication Amidst a Critical Win
With an electrifying comeback in the closing laps, Hamlin overtook Kyle Larson and then chased down Chase Briscoe, capturing the lead as fans watched in anticipation. Overcome with emotion after climbing from his car, Hamlin addressed his father directly.
“I want to say hi to my dad,”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
At 44 years old, Hamlin’s victory not only tied him with Kevin Harvick for 10th on NASCAR’s all-time Cup win list at 60 but also punched his ticket to his fifth championship race appearance. For Hamlin, however, winning was about more than adding to his accomplishments; it was a tribute to the consistent support and love from his family and the enduring influence of key figures in his life.
The Influence of J.D. Gibbs and a Second Chance at Greatness
J.D. Gibbs, son of racing legend and team owner Joe Gibbs, played a pivotal role in Hamlin’s path to the top ranks. Over two decades ago, J.D. noticed Hamlin’s skills not while he was competing, but while setting up a racecar for other drivers. His advocacy led Joe Gibbs to sign Hamlin, who has since driven exclusively for that Cup team over 719 starts. Reflecting on the journey, Hamlin recounted his father’s words and the unique bond he shares with those who supported him throughout his career.
“My dad said to J.D. a long time ago that ‘He’s yours now. I got him to this point but look after (him),'”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin explained how J.D. Gibbs became his “road dad” and “track dad,” filling crucial roles in his development as both an athlete and a person. After J.D.’s passing in 2019, Joe Gibbs became an even more central figure, providing mentorship and support that Hamlin says keeps him grounded within the often turbulent challenges of professional racing.
“I’ve got two dads. One is at home and one is here.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Chasing Victory, Honoring Lost Friends
The memory of J.D. Gibbs continues to inspire Hamlin. J.D. passed away in January 2019, and just a month later Hamlin claimed his second Daytona 500 win, turning triumph into a tribute to the late crew chief. Joe Gibbs, a Hall of Famer in both football and NASCAR, noted the special significance of that moment and Sunday’s race.
“The race after J.D. went to be with the Lord, it is for me the greatest sporting evert I was ever in,”
— Joe Gibbs, Owner and Hall of Famer
Late-Race Drama Decides the Outcome
As Sunday’s race neared its conclusion, Chase Briscoe led the field after a late restart, but his two fresh tires proved vulnerable against Kyle Larson and Hamlin, both on four fresh tires. Larson surged ahead, but Hamlin’s relentless pace brought him into the fray, complicating Larson’s victory hopes with just a handful of laps to go.
“I was trying all I could to take (Hamlin’s) lines away while also staying on offense,”
— Kyle Larson, Driver
“It was tough to manage from my position because he was quite a faster than me. I was quite a bit faster than (Briscoe).”
— Kyle Larson, Driver
Hamlin and Larson raced hard, exchanging positions as they skimmed the wall. The battle heated up in the corners, with both drivers pushing their limits.
“He still got to my outside in (Turns) 3 and 4,”
— Kyle Larson, Driver
“I drove him really hard in (Turns) 1 and 2 and cleared myself off of 2 and easily could have crashed myself, so I was being pretty risky on my end.”
— Kyle Larson, Driver
Ultimately, Hamlin’s determination carried him past both Larson and Briscoe, securing the win in the closing moments. With two laps remaining, Hamlin’s thoughts shifted toward maintaining his lead without incident.
“I did say a prayer into (Turn) 3 with two to go for no caution,”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
“I try not to ask for prayers for things that really don’t matter, like competition (smiling). I needed to see this one through all the way. So I borrowed, asked for a favor on this one.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
A Moment for Family and Gratitude
As he celebrated, Hamlin discovered a message from his father, eager to discuss the momentous win and what it means for their family’s journey. When asked what he intended to say during their conversation, Hamlin expressed heartfelt thanks for his parents’ sacrifices.
“for sacrificing really his and my mom’s life to chase around my dreams.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Looking Ahead to Phoenix and Legacy
Denny Hamlin’s emotional Las Vegas win not only advanced him to the championship showdown in Phoenix but also underscored the powerful role of fathers, mentors, and close relationships in shaping the careers of top athletes. As Hamlin seeks his first Cup title, his journey stands as a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the unbreakable bonds that drive success both on and off the racetrack. The next race in Phoenix will not just be a quest for victory—it’s an opportunity for Hamlin to further honor his father’s enduring influence and the memory of those who believed in him along the way.
