Denny Hamlin’s Last-Lap Pass Secures Critical NASCAR Playoff Win at Las Vegas

Denny Hamlin captured a crucial victory in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The win marks his 60th career Cup Series triumph. It propels him into a strong position for the championship race.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver executed a stunning late-race charge. His decisive move came with just four laps remaining in the South Point 400. According to the Associated Press, this victory significantly boosts his title hopes.

Three-Wide Maneuver Proved Decisive in Final Stage

Hamlin restarted sixth with only 15 laps left. He knew he had to be aggressive. The critical moment unfolded with just 12 laps to go.

He shot through the middle of Turns 3 and 4. The bold move allowed him to pass two cars at once. He jumped from sixth to fourth in a single corner.

“That one corner where I got two cars, I thought that was the moment,” Hamlin said on his podcast. The pass gave him the momentum needed to chase down the leaders. He cleared Joey Logano and Kyle Larson shortly after.

Victory Intensifies Championship Battle

This win automatically advances Hamlin to the next playoff round. The intense final laps saw several playoff drivers battling in the top ten. Clean air was scarce, making passing difficult.

Hamlin described the racing as fun and highly competitive. He noted that everyone was playing offense and defense simultaneously. The close competition made the victory even more rewarding.

The result tightens the championship standings. Eight drivers are now fighting for four spots in the championship finale. Every point matters in this round.

Denny Hamlin’s calculated aggression paid off with a monumental NASCAR Playoff Win. His Las Vegas victory demonstrates why he remains a championship threat. The season’s final races promise even more high-stakes drama.

Info at your fingertips

How many career wins does Denny Hamlin have now?

With this victory, Denny Hamlin now has 60 career NASCAR Cup Series wins. This places him among the most successful drivers in the modern era. The win also ties him for a notable position on the all-time wins list.

Why was the Las Vegas win so important for Hamlin?

The win automatically advances him to the next round of the playoffs. It provides crucial momentum for the final races of the season. This victory also adds valuable playoff points for the championship battle.

Which drivers did Hamlin pass for the win?

He passed teammate Chase Briscoe for the lead with four laps to go. Earlier, he executed a dramatic three-wide pass on Alex Bowman and Tyler Reddick. He also got around Joey Logano and Kyle Larson during his charge.

How does this affect the playoff standings?

The win solidifies Hamlin’s position in the Round of 8. It puts immense pressure on the other seven playoff contenders. The battle for the final three championship spots will be intense.

What was the key to Hamlin’s winning pass?

His ability to find a clean lane in the middle of the track was crucial. He used the momentum from a push from Tyler Reddick’s car after clearing him. This gave him the run needed to complete the pass.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, NASCAR.com, ESPN, NBC Sports, Fox Sports, Reuters