NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin didn’t think he had a choice.
“That’s all I could do is just go for it,” Hamlin told USA after claiming Sunday’s South Point 400 title at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “I felt like I had nothing to lose.”
The future Hall of Famer accomplished almost everything in stock car racing’s highest level except claiming a driver’s championship.
Is this the year?
Hamlin held off Kyle Larson, who led a race-high 129 laps, to be the first to qualify for the Championship 4 race.
X (Twitter) users responded to Hamlin earning his 60th career win, tying Kevin Harvick for 10th all-time …
Denny Hamlin is leaving his mark all the way to @LVMotorSpeedway Victory Lane! pic.twitter.com/NPvGsBF7gI
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) October 13, 2025
No. 60 has been Hamlin’s long-standing goal …
He said 60 was the goal.
Well @dennyhamlin, you can cross this milestone off the list! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/6guVhPpWHL
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
“The Running Man,” actor Glen Powell, started things rolling …
Fire 'em up, @glenpowell. 👏 pic.twitter.com/mUxXBLu6ll
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Going green at Las Vegas …
All bets are off! The Round of 8 starts right now!
We are underway at @LVMotorSpeedway, live on @USANetwork! pic.twitter.com/8eFl80oyzP
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup champion, hit the wall on Lap 72 …
Huge playoff implications on Lap 72! @Blaney has trouble and gets into the wall. pic.twitter.com/MoCg5bEGHx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
William Byron needed the Stage 1 playoff points …
Those are huge points for @WilliamByron!
He wins the opening stage at @LVMotorSpeedway. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/IJdP4mXaQM
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Larson to the front …
The inside row stacks up!
Larson capitalizes, and takes the lead! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/gANXdwYvQc
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Larson claimed additional playoff points with the Stage 2 win …
No slowing down @KyleLarsonRacin right now!
He leads 74 laps en route to the Stage 2 victory. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/yv9QXhDBLk
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
Hamlin’s pit crew team endured more issues. Wins can cover up many mistakes …
A slow stop for the No. 11 causes @dennyhamlin to lose several positions. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/sgd33iwuhx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 12, 2025
With fewer than 20 laps to go, Christopher Bell triggered a wild wreck along Turn 1, sending Ty Gibbs into the wall and collecting several other machines …
There's contact on the restart, and multiple cars go spinning. pic.twitter.com/L8hV6gV8SN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Chase Briscoe felt the pressure late in the third stage …
There are less than 10 laps to go in Las Vegas!
Briscoe leads, but Larson and Hamlin are there! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/o4kNuE1u8B
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
“Here comes Hamlin again … and takes the lead” …
Held it to the floor. Phoenix bound. https://t.co/8ll1oxoqGq pic.twitter.com/vkosovJ6D0
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 13, 2025
Victory tears …
We see those tears. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ChwHasKsxZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
The playoff standings following Sunday …
Three #Championship4 tickets remain.
Who's next to join @dennyhamlin? pic.twitter.com/NGo2y2b7kJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
Race recap …
One #Championship4 spot is now taken!
Let's talk about @dennyhamlin's win and much more on Inside the Race!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025
