Denny Hamlin wins Pocono race to pass Kyle Busch on all-time list
Denny Hamlin has secured his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory at Pocono Raceway, passing the late Kyle Busch to take sole possession of ninth place on the all-time wins list.
The 45-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing driver claimed his 64th career win on Sunday.
This latest triumph pushes the veteran ahead of his former team-mate, who died unexpectedly of sepsis last month at the age of 41.
It marks the first time in his two-decade career that the seasoned racer has won three back-to-back events.
Retirement talk paused amidst career-best form
Hamlin has continually insisted he plans to step away from the sport when his current contract expires at the end of the 2027 season.
However, securing his fourth win of the current campaign has sparked intense debate over whether he should reconsider his upcoming exit.
“I would certainly say it’s the best we’ve been,” Hamlin said.
“We come to the racetrack every week knowing we got a great shot to win. The team’s doing an amazing job giving me exactly what I need in the car every single week. That’s why we’re winning.”
A historic milestone at a familiar venue
Pocono holds special significance for the American driver, serving as the site of his maiden career victory exactly 20 years ago in June 2006.
He described the Pennsylvania circuit as being like a “second home”, praising his pit crew for their flawless execution on Sunday.
Tyler Reddick, driving for the 23XI Racing team co-owned by Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan, finished a frustrating second.
The result means Hamlin now trails Reddick by just 19 points in the fiercely competitive overall Cup Series standings.
“If the 11 wasn’t the winner, you could consider this a good day,” Reddick said.
Toyota continues to dominate the season
The manufacturer has now claimed the checkered flag in 10 of the 16 races held so far this year.
Joe Gibbs Racing alone accounts for half of those victories, showcasing their commanding presence on the grid.
Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron secured third place in his Chevrolet.
Following the race, Byron noted it was the first time in months he felt truly comfortable with his car’s balance on the track.