On Sunday evening at Kansas Speedway, Chase Elliott secured a crucial NASCAR Round of 8 berth after making a daring late-race move, dooring Denny Hamlin to capture the win. Elliott’s decision to take four fresh tires during the final pit stop gave him a decisive advantage in the closing laps of this intense playoff race.
Race Intensifies in Closing Laps as Playoff Contenders Hunt for Victory
The race began with smooth early stages, but the final 60 laps spiraled into chaos as nearly all playoff drivers remained in contention for a win and automatic advancement in the NASCAR playoffs. With stakes high, intense battles unfolded on the track, heightening pressure on the competitors.
Late-Race Caution Sets Up High-Stakes Green-White-Checker Finish
With nine laps remaining, a spin by Carson Hocevar during a restart forced a late yellow flag and triggered the first Green-White-Checkers (GWC) attempt. The front row featured 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell, with their teammates Tyler Reddick and Briscoe trailing close behind. Briscoe and Bell maintained strong momentum, while Reddick’s faltering allowed Wallace to stay ahead.
The race took another dramatic turn before the white flag when John Hunter Nemechek collided with Zane Smith, sending Smith into the wall. Smith’s car slid along the barrier before flipping twice, ultimately landing on its wheels. This accident led to a red flag and a second GWC finish with the leading four drivers still battling at the front.
Final Restart and Elliott’s Decisive Contact with Hamlin Determine Outcome
The second restart saw Wallace get a jump, while Bell brushed the wall, opening a window for Denny Hamlin to challenge for the lead. Hamlin, who dominated the most laps on Sunday, attempted to pass Wallace but ended up pushing his teammate into the wall just half a straightaway from the finish line. As Hamlin corrected his line, Chase Elliott, starting tenth with fresh tires, used his advantage to surge forward rapidly.
Elliott executed a clean, precise bump on Hamlin’s front door panel, overtaking him and securing his second victory of the season. This win also made Elliott the first Hendrick Motorsports driver to triumph in the 2025 NASCAR playoffs.
Elliott Reflects on Risky Move and Hamlin’s Tenacity Despite Mechanical Struggles
After the race, Elliott spoke to NBC about not easing off as he approached the finish line, fully committing to the risky maneuver that could have ended either in victory or a wrecked car.
Oh, I wasn’t going to lift,
Elliott said.
I didn’t know what was going to happen. At the end of the day, it was what it was; we were all committed.
—Chase Elliott
Denny Hamlin crossed the line in second place, tireless despite dealing with broken power steering during the final segment. The veteran Joe Gibbs Racing driver revealed how driven he was by the desire to win his 60th race, secure a guaranteed spot in the next playoff round, and dedicate the victory to his father, who is facing serious health issues.
Significance of the Win and Impact on NASCAR Playoffs
This dramatic finish at Kansas Speedway has major implications for the NASCAR postseason, not only locking Chase Elliott firmly into the Round of 8 but also intensifying the battle among playoff contenders. The race showcased the thin margins between success and failure in high-stakes racing, with aggressive moves and mechanical challenges directly affecting outcomes. Elliott’s victory highlights the strategic value of tire choices late in the race and underscores the relentless determination required during NASCAR’s playoff season.
As the playoffs progress, fans and teams alike can expect continued fierce competition, with drivers pushing limits to secure their championship aspirations. The results at Kansas reaffirmed Elliott’s status as a formidable contender and set the stage for thrilling races ahead.
