Denny Hamlin triumphed over his teammate Chase Briscoe in a gripping Chase Briscoe racing battle at Gateway this past weekend, marking Hamlin’s fifth victory of the season and the 59th win in his NASCAR Cup Series career. The win was not assured throughout the race, but strategic moves during the final laps helped Hamlin claim the top spot and cross the finish line ahead of Briscoe.
In his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin detailed how he approached the high-pressure closing stages at Gateway, explaining he was confident despite Briscoe’s strong challenge. Hamlin emphasized the importance of timely maneuvers, especially in the first ten laps after tire changes, to secure his lead.
So the lead was me and the No. 22. We pit, we come out, the No. 19 took two, so he jumped us. I’m racing the crap out of the No. 19. You see us kind of go — we knew that was for the lead at that moment. I knew that that was important. I also knew it was really important to pass him right then — not five laps from now. I needed to get him right as soon as I could. Like I said, the first 10 laps on tires seemed like was the most benefit. After that, they just leveled out. So, I was very fortunate to pass him,
Hamlin explained.
Late-Race Strategy Puts Hamlin in Front
Shortly after regaining the lead, a caution flag played to Hamlin’s advantage, allowing him to start on the front row and maintain his momentum. He quickly overtook the No. 6 car, whose tire wear dramatically affected its performance during the final laps. After clearing that challenge, Hamlin was able to hold off Briscoe’s persistent effort.
Then, the next corner, the caution came out. That allowed me to take now the front row. I raced the No. 6 who’s got, you know — their tires are shit. So, I’m able to clear there, and it’s bosses from that point. … I thought I had enough speed over (Briscoe) to be able to do it. I mean, he was putting up a great fight — but I thought it was inevitable.
With his team Joe Gibbs Racing securing a strong 1-2 finish, Hamlin’s experience and speed proved decisive, underscoring his continued strength as a driver this season.
Hamlin Reflects on Career Ambitions and Future Goals
After celebrating his victory, Hamlin candidly discussed his career outlook, explaining that while championships are notable, they are not his primary motivation. Instead, he focuses on increasing his win count and appreciating the remaining opportunities in his racing career.
It’s always been about number of races,
Hamlin stated, alluding to his championship ambitions and personal priorities.
The only one I thought about was this year and the Daytona 500, thinking that probably only going to do this twice more. Brickyards, right? I haven’t won the freaking Brickyard. I’m going to have two more shots at it, and that’s it, to round this thing out.
He also emphasized his belief that accumulated wins hold greater value than championships alone, reflecting on how victories will define his legacy more clearly than titles.
There’s certain races that I do have countdowns for. Championships isn’t one of ’em. Obviously, it’s well-documented that I want to get the wins, and I feel like that will carry its weight long after. When you compare me to someone that’s maybe got one or two, maybe three championships, and half the wins, I don’t think that person’s better than I am.
The Impact of Hamlin’s Victory on the Season and NASCAR Outlook
Denny Hamlin’s performance at Gateway reaffirms his status as one of NASCAR’s elite drivers. Although Chase Briscoe fought hard in the racing battle, he was ultimately unable to match Hamlin’s pace and strategy. Hamlin’s focus on wins rather than championships may shape his approach in the remaining races, as he seeks to build on his impressive career record.
As the NASCAR Cup Series continues, Hamlin’s latest triumph positions him solidly among championship contenders while highlighting ongoing competition within Joe Gibbs Racing. The outcome from Gateway signals a season full of intense rivalries and thrilling racing battles ahead, especially between teammates like Hamlin and Briscoe.
