The South Point 400 is the first race of the Round of 8 Denny Hamlin leading the points with Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Christopher, Chase Elliot, Chase Brisco and Joey Lagano rounding out the driver that can still win the championship.
Hamlin took the first step by winning the pole for Sunday’s race. Denny took that pole to lead the first few laps before his teammate Chase Brisco moved into the lead. The middle of the race was all Kyle Larson until he missed the call to pit and let his teammate William Byron take the lead late in the race. Byron was leading when a miscommunication with Ty Dillon’s spotter as he cutting down the track to pitlane. The next restart took out several cars. During that pit stop Brisco only took 2 tires to make up track position.
Hamlin and Larson battled for 2nd for a few laps until Denny pulled off the pass. Denny then quicky caught his teammate to take the lead and his 60th win and a slot in the final four championship race.
Denny was in tears as he wanted this win for his Dad who is having health issues.
Hamlin has mentioned his goal of reaching the 60-win plateau multiple times as the season progressed and his win total grew. After his victory at Dover Motor Speedway in July, Hamlin indicated that he placed more value on accumulating wins than on chasing a Cup Series championship — an achievement that has eluded him so far in his 20-year Cup career.
“If we do, we do. If we don’t, we don’t. I care about wins,” Hamlin said. “Trust me, I want more trophies, more trophies, more trophies. When I’m done, I want to be in the top 10 of all-time winners. That will mean more than any other accomplishment I could have.”
Story Chuck Null
Photos Greg “Cap” Capillupo
