Denny Hamlin is on the verge of NASCAR history, standing just one victory away from a monumental achievement that would see him tie racing legend Kevin Harvick on the prestigious all-time wins list. After a thrilling performance at the World Wide Technology Raceway, Hamlin celebrated his 59th career win, a feat that not only cements his place among the sport’s elite but also secures his spot in the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
With this victory, the 44-year-old driver has now claimed five wins in the 2025 season, more than any other competitor this year. This remarkable season has propelled him ahead of Shane van Gisbergen, who had been dominating the road course events. But the stakes were even higher as Hamlin’s triumph marked a historic milestone for Toyota—its 200th victory in the Cup Series, making it the fourth manufacturer to achieve this remarkable feat, joining the ranks of Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge.
In a post-race analysis, NASCAR Insights highlighted Hamlin’s accomplishments, emphasizing his ascent on the all-time victory list. “Denny Hamlin wins his 59th career race at St. Louis. (1) 59 wins is one behind Kevin Harvick for 10th all-time. (2) Five wins in 2025 are the most of all drivers. (3) Toyota wins their 200th Cup Series race, 4th manufacturer to accomplish this,” the report stated, capturing the excitement surrounding Hamlin’s latest victory.
Hamlin’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Chase Briscoe, finished a strong second, while the race was filled with fierce competition from heavyweights like Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano. The top ten also included notable drivers such as John Hunter Nemechek, Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace, Chris Buescher, and Ty Gibbs. With their recent wins, both Hamlin and Briscoe have secured their places in the Round of 12, intensifying the playoff drama as the elimination race looms at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13.
As the playoff landscape heats up, Austin Dillon, SVG, Alex Bowman, and Josh Berry find themselves below the playoff cutline, battling for survival against formidable opponents like Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano (the reigning champion), Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric.
Reflecting on his momentous victory and the significance of delivering Toyota’s 200th Cup Series win, Hamlin expressed his pride and gratitude during the post-race interview. “It’s so big for everyone at Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing. Progressive (Insurance) Toyota was great there at the end. So happy to get this victory,” he stated, encapsulating the joy of this historic achievement.
Hamlin, who began his Cup Series journey with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006, has remained loyal to the #11 Toyota Camry throughout his career. Despite his many victories, he is still in pursuit of that elusive championship title, a goal that has remained just out of reach. Alongside Junior Johnson, Hamlin has become one of the few drivers to win over 50 races without clinching a championship—a testament to his skill and determination, as he aims to rewrite that narrative. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Hamlin as he chases not just the next win, but a place among NASCAR’s greatest champions.
