Denny Hamlin Earns 61st NASCAR Cup Series Win After Challenging Offseason

Hamlin reveals importance of Vegas victory following 'cruddy' start to 2026 season

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:12am

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Denny Hamlin secured his 61st career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, overcoming a difficult offseason that left him dreading the start of the new season. Hamlin opened up about his mindset heading into the year and how the win has reinvigorated his competitive drive as he chases his first Cup championship.

Why it matters

Hamlin's victory is a significant milestone, moving him closer to the all-time wins record held by NASCAR legend Richard Petty. The win also puts Hamlin in a strong position in the championship standings, as he looks to capture his first Cup title after coming close on multiple occasions.

The details

Hamlin revealed that he was not looking forward to the start of the 2026 season, citing a 'cruddy' offseason and the 'Phoenix debacle' as factors that had dampened his enthusiasm. However, the Las Vegas win has reignited his competitive fire, as he remains determined to fulfill his obligations to Joe Gibbs Racing and chase more victories.

  • Hamlin finished in the top five at Bowman Gray to start the season.
  • The Phoenix race week was when Hamlin began to get into a 'normal routine'.
  • Hamlin secured the victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver who has won 61 races in his career, the 10th-most in series history. Hamlin is seeking his first Cup championship after coming close on multiple occasions.

Joe Gibbs

The owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, the team for which Hamlin drives. Hamlin has made a promise to Gibbs and his family to fulfill his obligations to the team.

Kyle Busch

Another veteran NASCAR driver who is second on the all-time wins list with 63 victories, just two ahead of Hamlin.

Dale Earnhardt Sr.

The legendary NASCAR driver who holds the eighth-most wins in Cup Series history with 76 victories, 15 more than Hamlin's current total.

Richard Petty

The all-time leader in NASCAR Cup Series wins with 200 victories, a record that Hamlin and other drivers continue to chase.

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What they’re saying

“It's awesome. Can't tell you how awesome that is. Yes, the offseason was really cruddy for a lot of different reasons. It sucked. I was not looking forward to the beginning of the season. I mentioned that it's like 'God, I can't beleive I have to go race. I don't want to go race right now.' And that was on top of the Phoenix debacle.”

— Denny Hamlin (on3.com)

“Ultimately, I'm still a competitor, right? Everyone's got to go through that process, the grieving process. There were a lot of different things through the off-season that were really, really tough.”

— Denny Hamlin (on3.com)

“...I said it before, promise to Joe Gibbs, that family, that I'd fulfill my obligations to them. Then the thrill of going out there and getting more wins. That to me is what drives me. It makes me work as hard as I do at this.”

— Denny Hamlin (on3.com)

What’s next

Hamlin will look to build on his Las Vegas victory and continue his push towards the NASCAR Cup Series championship, which would be the first of his career.

The takeaway

Denny Hamlin's resilience and competitive spirit have been on full display, as he overcame a difficult offseason to secure a crucial victory that has reinvigorated his championship aspirations. The win also moves him closer to the all-time NASCAR wins record, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's top drivers.