Denny Hamlin wins in Las Vegas and qualifies for the Championship 4

Denny Hamlin scored a victory as strong on the track as it was in people's hearts on Sunday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver won the South Point 400, the round of 16 of the playoffs of the NASCAR Cup Series, winning at the end of a spectacular finale.

At the wheel of the Toyota In the No. 11 car, Hamlin took the lead with four laps to go after passing Chase Briscoe and then holding off Kyle Larson to cross the line by just over a second and a half. This sixth win of the season—a series record this year—is also the 60th of his Cup career. Importantly, it secures Hamlin a spot in the Championship 4 at Phoenix, where he will be aiming for his first title since 2021.

More than just the stats, this victory had a special resonance. As he got out of the car, the 44-year-old Virginian didn't hide his emotion when he spoke about his ailing father. This victory means a lot. This is not the time to joke with the fans, I appreciate them all. I just wanted to say hello to my dad and family back home. » Hamlin confided, tears in his eyes..

A decisive pit stop allowed the Toyota to come back to life in the last ten laps. Chris [Gayle, crew chief] did an incredible job on the last stop. I gave it my all. We had to go for it. " added the three-time Daytona 500 winner, whose winning hand was a set of four new tires late in the race.

Kyle Larson (Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports) seemed unbeatable for a long time, leading 129 of the 267 laps, before giving way in the final laps. The Toyotas were too fast on the short runs. When I saw the #11 behind me, I knew Denny would be tough to contain. ", acknowledged the Californian, second at the finish. Christopher Bell (JGR) completed the podium ahead of Chase Briscoe, who also led for a long time thanks to a two-tire strategy that allowed him to play for track position.

Defending champion Joey Logano (Penske) finished sixth, while William Byron saw his title hopes seriously compromised after a late-race collision, finding himself now 15 points behind Briscoe, 4th and currently the last qualifier in the top 4. The same penalty went to Ryan Blaney, victim of an early accident and now 31 points behind the Toyota driver.

Hamlin, for his part, already has his ticket to Phoenix and can now approach the next two rounds - Talladega and Martinsville - without pressure.