Kyle Larson rolled into Las Vegas sitting third in the playoff standings, carrying a solid resume in Next-Gen cars at this track. His average Vegas finish of 8.7 ranks third-best among current contenders. Larson’s weekend began with a sixth-place qualifying spot, putting him in a prime position for another top result at the venue. His Hendrick Motorsports crew approached the South Point 400 with confidence, knowing Larson’s Vegas adaptability and sharp tire management gave him every chance for a big points day.

As the pre-race buzz centered on playoff scenarios and Hamlin’s pole-winning performance, Larson fans and pundits alike speculated whether the No. 5 Chevy could translate statistical strength into a much-needed Round of 8 victory. Little did anyone know that this year’s Vegas race would demand more than numbers. Ultimately, it delivered a finish that would leave Larson both awestruck and agonizingly close to glory.

Kyle Larson dominates, but falls short of a win

Kyle Larson delivered a strong performance at the South Point 400, finishing second after dominating much of the race. He was second in the first stage, won the second stage, and led a race-high 129 laps, showcasing his Next Gen car mastery on the Vegas oval. Larson was poised for victory, controlling the pace and holding off challengers for nearly two-thirds of the event.

However, Denny Hamlin’s late-race charge reshaped the outcome. Larson explained, “I thought I had a big enough gap down the backstretch to go to the top, get momentum. His car, the Toyotas in general, were really, really, really fast on a short run, had a lot of speed. He must have nailed the bottom behind me, got inside. It was over from there.”

Hamlin executed a rare outside pass in turns three and four, a move Larson notes is unusual for Hamlin’s racing style. “I tried to take his line away in three and four. He got to my outside. Rarely do you see Denny do that. He did a great job. Hats off to them,” Larson reflected.

In NASCAR, “taking the line away” means strategically positioning your car to block or prevent a rival from using their preferred racing path through a corner. Drivers (including Hamlin) often run the inside line, which is typically the fastest and safest route around an oval track. Passing from the outside is less common and considered riskier because it requires carrying more speed on a less optimal line and exposes a driver to greater chances of losing grip or being pushed wide (and into the wall).

When Hamlin executed a move from the outside in turns three and four to pass Larson, it caught him by surprise. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that requires precise timing and confidence in car control.

Despite the tough loss, Larson praised his team’s overall effort. “Hats off to my team, too. We had an awesome day, as well. I think we were second maybe in the first stage, won the next stage, and second in the race. Good points day obviously.” The point haul moved Larson up to second in the playoff standings, positioning him virtually locked in for the Championship 4 race next month at Phoenix.

Though victory slipped away, Larson’s performance confirmed his elite status in the playoffs. Hamlin’s bold late move reminded everyone that in NASCAR, races aren’t won until the checkered flag waves. On the other hand, Larson and his team remain optimistic as they prepare for the next thrilling round at Talladega against tough competition.

Denny Hamlin’s emotional victory

Denny Hamlin’s drive to victory at the South Point 400 was a masterclass in late-race execution, marking his 60th career NASCAR Cup Series win and tying him with Kevin Harvick for the 10th most all-time victories. The win also locked Hamlin into the Championship 4 race at Phoenix, making it the first time for the JGR veteran in the Gen 7 car era.

Reflecting on his win, Hamlin said, “Definitely means a lot. This is the point where I usually give the fans some (grief) but not today. I appreciate all of you so much. I felt like I had nothing to lose. Just go for it, try to punch a ticket now. Man, this one feels great.”

Hamlin’s path to victory wasn’t smooth; he battled through the field after briefly losing the lead due to a gear issue in Stage 1 itself. Yet, with just four laps remaining, Hamlin passed Chase Briscoe and Kyle Larson to seize the lead and the checkered flag. “Just super proud of this team for making the adjustments they did. Pit crew for doing a great job all day,” Hamlin thanked his team members.

The win was deeply emotional for Hamlin, as he shed tears during his cooldown lap. The victory was especially poignant given his father’s recent health struggles, adding a heartfelt dimension to the achievement. With this historic win, Hamlin solidifies not only his place among NASCAR’s greats but also his serious contention for the 2025 title, setting the stage for a thrilling championship finale at Phoenix. Can he finally win that elusive NASCAR championship this time? Do let us know in the comments below.