Denny Hamlin Wins Pennzoil 400 NASCAR Cup Race

45-year-old driver fends off late charge from Chase Elliott at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Denny Hamlin, a veteran NASCAR driver, won the Pennzoil 400 Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday. Hamlin led for a race-high 134 laps and held off a late challenge from Chase Elliott to take the checkered flag.

Why it matters

Hamlin's victory marks his second win at Las Vegas in the past six months, demonstrating his continued competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series despite his age. The race also showcased the intense competition at the top of the sport, with Hamlin and Elliott battling for the win down to the final laps.

The details

Hamlin was dominant throughout the race, leading for over half the laps. He did face a setback when he was penalized for speeding ahead of Stage 2, but was able to recover and retake the lead. In the closing laps, Elliott made a late charge, but Hamlin was able to hold him off and claim the victory.

  • The race took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A 45-year-old veteran NASCAR driver who won the Pennzoil 400 Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Chase Elliott

A top NASCAR driver who made a late charge but was unable to catch Hamlin for the victory.

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What they’re saying

“It was a hard-fought win, but I'm proud of the effort from the whole team. We've had success here before and it's great to get back to Victory Lane.”

— Denny Hamlin (on3.com)

What’s next

Hamlin's victory will likely secure him a spot in the NASCAR playoffs later this year, as he continues his quest for a second Cup Series championship.

The takeaway

Denny Hamlin's win at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas demonstrates his enduring skill and competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series, even at 45 years old. The race also highlighted the intense rivalries and close competition at the top of the sport.