Hamlin dominates Vegas
Denny Hamlin, 45, won at Las Vegas after leading 134 laps and rallying past a penalty — the victory ties him with Kevin Harvick, and Joe Gibbs Racing placed Bell/Gibbs in the top five. It was a statement night for Hamlin’s resilience and JGR’s race execution. (x.com) (x.com)
The Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube ran 267 laps at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026, where the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota took the checkered flag. (nascar.com) Hamlin notched the 61st victory of his NASCAR Cup Series career, moving into sole possession of 10th on the all-time wins list and passing Kevin Harvick. (nascar.com) Chase Elliott finished second and William Byron third, with Hamlin beating Elliott to the line by 0.502 seconds. (kickinthetires.net) Christopher Bell crossed the line fourth and Ty Gibbs was fifth, giving Joe Gibbs Racing two cars inside the top five on the day. (nascar.com) Hamlin drew a pit‑road speeding penalty during the first-stage stop—caught under caution on Lap 84 and recorded at 50.03 mph—then restarted at the back before charging back through the field. (newsbreak.com) The victory was Hamlin’s first of the 2026 season, his third career win at Las Vegas, and arrived roughly five races after his heartbreaking loss in the 2025 championship at Phoenix Raceway. (lvms.com) Tyler Reddick retained the series points lead after the race, holding a 61‑point advantage over Bubba Wallace and a 67‑point cushion on third‑place Ryan Blaney. (nascar.com)
