Denny Hamlin discusses emotional NASCAR win at Las Vegas in 2026

Denny Hamlin finally found his way back to victory lane. On Sunday, Hamlin and the No. 11 team for Joe Gibbs Racing won the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, earning there first victory of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The driver of the No. 11 car held off a hard-charging Chase Elliott.

Following the event, Hamlin spoke to the FOX Sports broadcast about winning at Las Vegas with his family present. It was an emotional interview, as Hamlin spoke on everything that happened over the last couple of months.

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“Being part of Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, that helps the situation,” Hamlin said. “Over the last few races here, had a dominant car. Makes me look good when I can drive cars like this. I got to thank the whole team. They’re the ones that made all this happen…I mean, I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving. Over the last couple weeks, I definitely regained my love of it, got refocused. These are great opportunities for us. I mean, this is a family sport. My family obviously had so much sacrifice to help me get here. Now that I’ve grown, generations of Hamlins following me. It’s great Mom gets to see this. I know Dad’s still saying, That’s my boy. Hell of a day [smiling].”