Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin tops the NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings after the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He secured victory after leading the race for nine laps, elevating him to the Championship 4.
Hamlin did not expect to go home with this 60th win before the race, but the right calls made by his team at the right time placed him in a position to win. The 44-year-old driver even faced gearbox problems early in the race, but it all came together in the final stage when he overtook Kyle Larson and his JGR teammate Chase Briscoe to make it first to the checkered flag.
Larson is placed second in the standings after securing the runner-up spot in the race, followed by Christopher Bell in third, and Briscoe in fourth. Hamlin holds a significant advantage to win his maiden title going into Talladega and Martinsville. He is now tenth on the list of the top ten NASCAR drivers who have won the most Cup Series races. Speaking after an emotional victory, Hamlin said:
“This win means a lot, this is the point where I kind of give the fans some [expletive], but not today, I appreciate you all so much.
“Obviously, just want to say ‘hi’ to my dad and family back at home. We were hoping to get 60 [wins] today, but I didn’t think we were. Just put the pedal down those last 10 laps and made it happen.”
Hamlin credited his crew chief, Chris Gayle, for turning the situation around on the final stop. He added: