Chase Elliott pulled off a remarkable victory at Kansas, dramatically outpacing Denny Hamlin during the NASCAR Playoffs on September 28, 2025. The win came after a tense overtime finish where Elliott’s team’s strategic decision to change all four tires gave him the advantage over his rivals, including Hamlin, highlighting the intense competition in the Denny Hamlin NASCAR Playoffs battle.
Elliott’s Tire Strategy Seals an Overtime Victory
In a gripping late-race scenario, Chase Elliott’s choice to take four fresh tires during the final pit stop proved decisive. While other playoff contenders opted for just two tires, Elliott’s extra grip on the 9 car helped him maintain control in the second overtime period. This calculated move allowed him to seize the win in a race where tire management and timing were crucial.
The race’s closing moments saw friction between Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin, with Wallace overcoming an early setback when his car nearly fell out of the top 20 in the first stage. Hamlin fought through power steering problems to stay competitive, yet Elliott’s late-race momentum cut short their chances of victory. This thrilling finish encapsulated the high stakes and unpredictability of the NASCAR Playoffs.
Hamlin’s Strong Lead and its Unraveling in the Final Laps
Denny Hamlin dominated most of the Kansas race, controlling the lead for 159 laps, far more than anyone else. Christopher Bell also posted a strong performance with 43 laps led, but neither could hold off Elliott in the race’s final moments. Elliott led only 24 laps overall but claimed the most critical one — the final lap. For Hamlin, this loss raises significant questions about his playoff fate and whether this race could mark a turning point in his championship run.
Despite the setback, Hamlin’s position is not yet dire. He carries a 35-point advantage over the playoff cutline heading into the next event, offering a buffer that might keep him in contention if he performs steadily. However, his points cushion remains fragile given the fierce competition looming on the horizon.
Intensifying Playoff Battle Ahead of the Roval
The battle for a spot in the next round is heating up as Austin Cindric, Tyler Reddick, and Ross Chastain find themselves needing wins to stay alive. Bubba Wallace, while slightly better positioned, remains under pressure. The upcoming race at the Roval promises to be a frenetic contest, with many drivers vying for survival in the playoffs.
Chase Elliott, having struggled earlier in the postseason, used Kansas as a statement race. His team, led by crew chief Alan Gustafson, made the pivotal call at the last pit stop that changed the race’s outcome. Elliott’s resurgence is a reminder that in NASCAR’s high-pressure playoff environment, races can be won or lost on a single decision and execution with precision.
Implications of the Kansas Finish for the Championship Chase
Chase Elliott’s win disrupts the anticipated dominance of Toyota drivers in Kansas, denying Denny Hamlin victory despite his commanding lead for most of the race. With the 9 car’s success, the dynamics of the playoffs shift, putting pressure on Hamlin and others who face an uncertain road forward amid tight points margins.
As the playoffs move toward the next round, every point matters, and strategic choices like those demonstrated by Elliott’s crew can drastically affect the championship outlook. The tension rises as drivers and teams prepare for what is expected to be an uncompromising battle at the Roval, where fortunes may rise or fall in the pursuit of NASCAR glory.
“Have a day, @chaseelliott! pic.twitter.com/7jYmTQrpXc” — NASCAR on NBC
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