Overview

• Hamlin earned his 60th Cup victory, tying Kevin Harvick for 10th all time and returning to the title race for the first time since 2021.
• Crew chief Chris Gayle’s four‑tire strategy with 14 laps left enabled Hamlin to surge from mid‑pack and pass Chase Briscoe with four to go after an earlier move on Kyle Larson.
• Hamlin dedicated the win to his ill father and was visibly emotional during the cooldown and interviews.
• A late caution after William Byron hit a slowing Ty Dillon reshaped the finish; Byron exited in 36th and dropped 15 points below the cutline.
• Post‑Vegas outlook shows Kyle Larson 35 points above the cut, Christopher Bell +20, Chase Briscoe +15, with Joey Logano 24 back and Ryan Blaney 31 back as Hamlin shifts focus to Phoenix preparation.