News Summary
Denny Hamlin’s recent victory at the South Point 400 in Las Vegas has earned him a place in the Championship 4 of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. This win marks his 60th career victory, tying him for tenth on the all-time victories list. With a decisive 1.533-second lead over Kyle Larson, Hamlin combined skill and a dedication to his father, showcasing his competitive spirit. Other notable finishers included Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe. The race’s high stakes and thrilling finish further emphasize the intense competition among playoff contenders.
Las Vegas, Nevada – Denny Hamlin clinched a spot in the Championship 4 of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with his 60th career victory at the South Point 400 on October 12, 2025. This win ties him with Kevin Harvick for tenth on the all-time victories list. Hamlin’s triumph in the opening event of the three-race Round of 8 secured his position in the finale at Phoenix Raceway, where he will chase his first NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Hamlin topped the race with a margin of 1.533 seconds over second-place finisher Kyle Larson, while Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe finished third and fourth, respectively. Tyler Reddick rounded out the top five. Other notable top ten finishers included Joey Logano, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ryan Preece, and Brad Keselowski.
The South Point 400 spanned 267 laps over a distance of 400.5 miles and was divided into three stages. William Byron won Stage 1 by leading for 39 of 80 laps, while Stage 2 was dominated by Larson, who led for 74 laps of 85. Byron’s race ended in disappointment when he crashed after leading for 55 laps, finishing 36th overall. Additionally, Ryan Blaney faced a significant setback by crashing into the wall due to a left-front tire failure, ultimately finishing last in 38th place, jeopardizing his playoff hopes.
Hamlin’s victory was especially meaningful to him as he dedicated it to his ailing father, who inspired his passion for racing. In the race’s closing laps, Hamlin made a remarkable move from fifth place to first, illustrating his tenacity on the track. This race showcased a competitive nature, typical of recent events at Las Vegas, where seven of the last eight races have had finishing margins of less than one second.
The race purse for the South Point 400 totaled $9,797,935, reflecting the high stakes and intense competition among the playoff contenders. Broadcast coverage of the event was provided by USA Network, with streaming options available on HBO Max and other platforms.
This race was crucial as it significantly impacted the playoff standings, with Hamlin and the other drivers vying for the prestigious Bill France Cup. Looking ahead, the remaining contests in the playoff series will determine who ultimately emerges as the champion in NASCAR’s premier division.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessean: NASCAR Las Vegas Race Updates
- NASCAR: What to Watch – Las Vegas Playoff Preview
- Hendrick Motorsports: NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
- USA Today: Las Vegas Playoff Race Details
- Google Search: NASCAR Las Vegas 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR
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