Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing Dominate Las Vegas NASCAR Race

Denny Hamlin's victory caps a strong day for the Toyota and JGR teams.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Toyota drivers continued their early-season surge in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, with Denny Hamlin's victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway marking Toyota's fourth win in the first five races. Toyota-powered cars led more laps than Ford and Chevrolet combined, and Joe Gibbs Racing drivers claimed three of the top-five finishing positions.

Why it matters

Toyota's early-season dominance and Joe Gibbs Racing's strong performance at Las Vegas showcase the manufacturer's and team's competitiveness in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. This could signal a shift in the competitive landscape, with Toyota and JGR emerging as the teams to beat this season.

The details

Hamlin's victory was his 61st career Cup Series win and his third at Las Vegas. Toyota drivers have now won four of the season's first five races and led more than 59% of the total laps completed. JGR drivers Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs finished in the top five, marking the first time this year all four JGR drivers have placed in the top 10.

  • Hamlin led the most laps in the 2025 season finale at Phoenix and Sunday's race at Las Vegas.
  • Bubba Wallace led the most laps in the 2026 Daytona 500.
  • Tyler Reddick led the most laps in back-to-back races at Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas.
  • Christopher Bell led the most laps in the 2026 Phoenix event.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver who won his 61st career race and third at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Toyota

The Japanese automaker that has dominated the early part of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, winning four of the first five races.

Joe Gibbs Racing

A top NASCAR team that had three of its drivers finish in the top five at Las Vegas, marking the first time this year all four JGR drivers have placed in the top 10.

Tyler Reddick

The current NASCAR Cup Series points leader, who finished 13th at Las Vegas, marking the first time this year he has finished outside the top 10.

Bubba Wallace

The driver for 23XI Racing who led the most laps in the 2026 Daytona 500 and is currently second in the Cup Series points standings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't feel like I drove a very good race. At times, I felt like I had plenty of speed, and a great long run car in the first stage. We drove to the lead, and then I never executed the restarts very well. We were at our worst at the end, which was a bummer. But overall, to get out of here with two solid Stages and a good finish, it's a good day.”

— Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver

The takeaway

Toyota's early-season dominance and Joe Gibbs Racing's strong performance at Las Vegas suggest the manufacturer and team could be the ones to beat in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, potentially shifting the competitive landscape in the sport.