This could be Denny Hamlin’s year! After all, we saw the dominating weekend he put forth at Gateway to advance to the Round of 12 in the playoffs. Despite partying too much and legal battles involving his 23XI Racing team, Hamlin remained determined. And now, as he walks away with 53 points, he sits atop the playoff standings, which is a step up from a 43-point cushion after Darlington. And just as the 44-year-old often does—praising and assessing his drivers—he now finds himself being evaluated by his team owner.

Toyota’s 200th Cup Series victory by Denny Hamlin at the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway this afternoon, not only marked his fifth win of the 2025 season but also brought him to 59 career wins, which puts him just one race shy of tying him with Kevin Harvick

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