NASCAR Las Vegas Takeaways: Denny Hamlin Joins the Greats with Emotional Victory
North Las Vegas, Nevada - In a heartwarming display of emotion, Denny Hamlin, the son of 75-year-old Dennis Hamlin, delivered a victory that not only thrilled his fans but also held deep personal significance. Despite his reputation as a trash-talker, Hamlin's win in the Cup Series playoff race in Las Vegas was marked by a newfound humility and gratitude.
The adrenaline-fueled race, where Hamlin raced from sixth to first in 14 laps, felt like hitting a game-winning shot in an NBA playoff game. This triumph marked his 60th career win, tying him for 10th on NASCAR's all-time wins list and securing his spot in the championship race. The most meaningful aspect of this victory, however, was the presence of his father, Dennis, who has been battling an undisclosed illness.
Hamlin's emotional response was driven by the knowledge that his father was watching, despite his health struggles. He expressed his appreciation for the fans, but not in the usual taunting manner. Instead, he acknowledged the support and love of his family, especially his father, who has been a pillar of strength throughout Denny's racing career.
The financial risks Denny took to pursue his racing dreams, often at the expense of the family's financial stability, were a constant source of worry for his father. Yet, Denny's success on the Virginia short tracks caught the attention of J.D. Gibbs, the late son of team owner Joe Gibbs, who brought him to NASCAR. This led to a deep bond between Hamlin and Gibbs, with Hamlin winning the Daytona 500 in the first race after Gibbs' death.
As for the Penske problems, Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano found themselves in a must-win situation at Talladega, with two races remaining. The pressure is on, but the competition isn't exactly happy about the prospect of Penske cars missing out on the championship race. The dynamic changes if the season finale at Phoenix features Joe Gibbs Racing or Hendrick Motorsports, rather than Penske.
In other news, NASCAR has increased engine horsepower from 670 to 750 hp for all short tracks and road courses in 2026, following requests from drivers. While some drivers, like Kyle Larson, were initially skeptical, others, like Chase Elliott, applauded the effort. The focus now shifts to the Championship 4cast, with Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney in the running for the final spot in the championship race at Phoenix.
