Denny Hamlin's Heartfelt Triumph in Las Vegas Puts Him Right Back in the Championship Spotlight
By Jenna Fryer, AP Auto Racing Writer
Published: Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Denny Hamlin waves the checkered flag triumphantly after securing victory in the NASCAR Cup Series event on Sunday, October 12th, 2025, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
TOPICS:
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR, Las Vegas, Championship, Emotional, Victory, Title Contention, Joe Gibbs Racing
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Imagine pouring your heart and soul into something for over two decades, facing lawsuits, family joys, and personal struggles, only to come out on top in a way that brings tears to your eyes. That's the story of Denny Hamlin, NASCAR's standout figure this season, who just clinched a comeback that's nothing short of inspiring. From challenging the racing governing body with legal action and sharing his unfiltered views on podcasts to helping shape the playoff lineup, Hamlin has been the center of attention. And now, with his emotional victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he's roaring back into contention for the championship title. But here's where it gets really intriguing: how has he managed to juggle all this chaos while delivering on the track?
For newcomers to motorsports, NASCAR is the premier stock car racing series in the United States, where drivers compete in high-speed races across various tracks, battling for the Cup Series championship. Hamlin, a seasoned veteran with Joe Gibbs Racing, has been exceptionally busy. Alongside his racing commitments, he celebrated the arrival of his third child in June, which meant missing the race in Mexico City to be there for his family—a choice that speaks volumes about his priorities.
Yet, through every twist and turn, Hamlin has emerged stronger. On Sunday, October 12th, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he achieved something remarkable: he secured a spot in the season-ending championship race, his first since 2021. This victory marked his sixth of the year, tying the series record, and brought his career total to exactly 60 wins—the milestone he had long targeted. Not only that, it solidified his status as the most successful driver in Joe Gibbs Racing's history, as well as for Toyota, the automaker he represents.
What stood out most was the raw emotion Hamlin displayed, a side rarely seen in his two-plus decades in the sport. His father, a dedicated Virginian who sacrificed immensely—mortgaging his home repeatedly, maxing out credit cards, and pushing the family to the brink of financial ruin—drove him to the pinnacle of racing. Hamlin dedicated this 60th win to his dad, a three-time Daytona 500 champion who's often hailed as one of the greatest drivers never to claim a Cup title. As the race wound down, Hamlin was visibly overwhelmed, shedding tears over the final three laps, expressing his feelings on the radio during the cool-down, and needing a moment to regain composure before accepting the checkered flag.
“I might come across as tough, but deep down, I'm softer than I let on,” Hamlin shared in an interview. “Sure, I could get choked up watching a touching movie scene, as long as my kids aren't around to see it. Emotions run deep, even if it's hard for some to believe. This win meant everything because it reflects the immense effort behind it—not just chance or fortune, but real dedication.” He went on to compare it to those childhood victories in recreational sports, like scoring the game-winning goal, but amplified because racing is his livelihood. “It'll take a while for this to fully sink in,” he added. “I knew I couldn't hold back the tears; I just let them flow.”
And this is the part most people miss: Hamlin's been navigating a particularly challenging stretch, compounded by concerns for his father's health. Just think about the intensity of these recent races:
At New Hampshire, during a crucial playoff event, he intentionally spun teammate Ty Gibbs, a non-contender but grandson of the team owner, believing Gibbs was pushing too aggressively in a situation where he shouldn't have been.
In Kansas, he battled fiercely with Bubba Wallace—his driver at 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and currently locked in a lawsuit against NASCAR—chasing that elusive 60th win. The clash led to Hamlin losing the race and Wallace missing out on the playoff round of eight.
Last week at Charlotte, his bold last-lap overtake of Ross Chastain kept reigning champion Joey Logano, winner of two of the last three titles, in the running by preventing an elimination. Hamlin later admitted he was unaware of the points standings, sparking NASCAR's investigation into potential manipulation by playoff drivers.
These incidents have stirred debate, with some fans praising Hamlin's competitive fire and others questioning if his aggressive tactics cross ethical lines. Is it fair to bend the rules in pursuit of glory, especially when it affects teammates and rivals? But here's where it gets controversial: Hamlin has remarkably compartmentalized and pushed through, tuning out the noise.
“I doubt anyone has as much on their plate as Denny right now, yet he handles it all with incredible poise,” teammate Ty Gibbs remarked. “Most of us would crumble under that weight—I know I might. How does he do it?”
Crew chief Chris Gayle, in his debut season with Hamlin and yet to reach the championship finale, echoed this sentiment. “Regardless of last week's dramas, lawsuits, or controversies, he always shows up ready to focus,” Gayle explained. “We never discuss the outside chaos; he just zeros in on the job. It's a skill that sets him apart.”
Hamlin draws inspiration from Tony Stewart, the three-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Famer who thrived amid personal turmoil during his time at Joe Gibbs Racing. “The old saying about excelling in turbulence holds true,” Hamlin noted. “My results prove it— the more upheaval I face, the stronger my performance. It's not easy, but it works for me.”
As for this Vegas win propelling him toward the title? Hamlin plans to step back mentally from racing for a bit. “I need that recharge,” he said, hinting it could be the key to finally securing the Cup championship.
This comeback story isn't just about speed and skill; it's a testament to resilience. But is Hamlin's "thriving in chaos" approach something to admire, or does it raise red flags about integrity in sports? Do you think his aggressive moves are justified in the high-stakes world of NASCAR, or should there be stricter rules to prevent such manipulations? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you side with Hamlin's drive, or do you see it as a slippery slope? Let's discuss!
