Denny Hamlin shared that leading drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series are not preparing for Talladega, instead prioritizing their efforts on Phoenix, where the 2025 champion will be decided. The veteran driver’s recent comments reflect how strategies are adapting as the competition tightens following his 60th career victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Shift in Preparation: Focus Turns from Talladega to Phoenix
Following the Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, teams are making preparations for the upcoming race at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. However, according to Denny Hamlin, none of the top eight drivers are dedicating their attention to Talladega. Hamlin, who marked a major milestone with his latest win, disclosed this on his Actions Detrimental podcast, explaining why the focus has shifted for those still in championship contention.
He described Talladega as a race dictated by unpredictable circumstances rather than intricate strategy or new setups, which is why the emphasis is now on Phoenix. That track will determine the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion, intensifying the strategic preparations there.
“No one’s running the sim and working on their Talladega setups,” Denny Hamlin said. “I think that everyone in the top 8 is working on Phoenix this week. Talladega is…you’re running the same setup you ran for the last three years at that racetrack. From a driver (standpoint) it’s all circumstantial…it’s not like you’re learning different lines and stuff. So, I think this week, people are probably working on Phoenix.”
Denny Hamlin, Team Owner/Driver
Standing Alone: Hamlin’s Unique Position in the Cup Series
Hamlin is the only Joe Gibbs Racing driver, and the only one in the entire Cup Series, to have secured his spot in the Championship 4. As a result, the Florida native enjoys a comfortable position in the next two races at Talladega and Martinsville. Even if he has poor finishes or a DNF, his place in the final round is safe.
While it is possible that Hamlin might take a conservative approach, he remains a competitive threat for additional wins. Despite his achievements, Kyle Busch holds the record for the most wins among active competitors. Busch, who failed to reach the playoffs this season, is still pursuing his first victory of the 2025 season and remains motivated as the season continues.
Hamlin’s Dominance: Recent Success and Career Milestone
For Denny Hamlin, the victory at Las Vegas was his sixth triumph of the 2025 season. He now leads the standings with 4,090 points, has amassed 14 top-five finishes and 17 top-10s, and has completed 33 races this year. Over the season, Hamlin has led a total of 813 laps and boasts an average finish position of 13.25, further emphasizing his strong performance and consistent results as teams brace for the season’s end.
Processing Victory: Hamlin’s Emotions after Las Vegas
Last Sunday’s race at Las Vegas saw Hamlin clinch the win despite other front-runners like Kyle Larson, William Byron, and his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe leading for more laps. Hamlin proved decisive by staying ahead when it counted most, leading nine critical laps at the end and finishing just 1.533 seconds ahead of Larson.
“I can’t believe, I can’t process, I don’t know what happened. It’s all a blur. That was one of the very few moments in which I did not think. That entire last 10 laps, I did not think whatsoever, I just did. I said, ‘Alright, this is what I need to do to win this race. I’m gonna run this line, I’m gonna approach it differently, I’m gonna hold the cast down.’”
Denny Hamlin, Team Owner/Driver
The rest of the top five was rounded out by Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Tyler Reddick. Completing the top-10 were notable names such as Joey Logano, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ryan Preece, and Brad Keselowski. Each driver contributed to the intense competition on display in Las Vegas, reflecting the depth of talent in the field.
What Lies Ahead: Anticipating Talladega and Beyond
Next, drivers will line up for the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, scheduled for this Sunday, October 19. The 188-lap contest is set to be broadcast nationally on USA, starting at 2 p.m. ET, with live updates provided through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Hamlin’s insights highlight a strategic shift as leading teams prioritize preparations for Phoenix, where the championship will ultimately be decided. While Talladega is known for its unpredictability, the focus on Phoenix underscores which race truly matters for those contending for the Cup. Fans can expect the final races of the season to be shaped by this dynamic, as Denny Hamlin and his competitors vie for NASCAR’s top honor.
Could this head start on Phoenix decide the championship? 👀 pic.twitter.com/uXauMBVB77
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) October 15, 2025
