2 days ago
NASCAR Insider Fights For Michigan Track As Denny Hamlin's Praise Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin brought home the win at the FireKeepers Casino 400, a race that featured a ton of action and brought praise to the Michigan International Speedway.
At the veteran age of 44, Hamlin drove his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota into first place.
It was his 57th win in NASCAR and the third of the season for the experienced driver.
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Yahoo! Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 08, 2025 in Brooklyn, Michigan
Photo byThe second half of the race became all about managing fuel. The top runners struggled on fuel, dropping pace lap after lap as they tried to save all over the track.
The fuel concerns allowed middle-of-the-pack runners like Hamlin to make up some serious ground and push for the win.
The racing was incredibly dramatic and aided by the fuel usage, leading to several over-takes and on-track battles during the last 30 or so laps.
Jeff Gluck, co-host of The Teardown podcast and writer for The Athletic, pointed out that it was the latest generation of cars that led to the incredible racing.
"Denny Hamlin said afterwards that this is maybe NASCAR's most underrated track now. It's perfect for the [Next Gen] car," Gluck said on the podcast.
"It's wide. It gives drivers lots of options. It's high-speed handling matters. It was a great crowd today.
"It was the first time that these fans hadn't been rained on in a few years here.
"It was a great day. It was really fun, a great weekend and nice positive way to end this little stretch of the season before we head to Mexico City."
Hamlin managed to keep his focus despite having a baby on the way. He previously claimed that he would skip a race to witness the birth of his third child.
He went as far as to say he would leave the race anyway up until Lap 50 if the call came of his wife going into labor.
It never came during the race in Michigan, and now he adds another win to his illustrious career.
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 Results
1. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota
2. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford
3. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Toyota
4. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota
5. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet
6. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Chevrolet
7. Zane Smith, No. 38 Ford
8. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Chevrolet
9. Ryan Preece, No. 60 Ford
10. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Ford
11. Erik Jones, No. 43 Toyota
12. Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford
13. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 Toyota
14. Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Chevrolet
15. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet
16. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Toyota
17. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Chevrolet
18. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Chevrolet
19. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet
20. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet
21. Justin Haley, No. 7 Chevrolet
22. Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford
23. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Toyota
24. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Chevrolet
25. Riley Herbst, No. 35 Toyota
26. Cody Ware, No. 51 Ford
27. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Ford
28. William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet
29. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet
30. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Chevrolet
31. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford
32. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford
33. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Ford
34. John H Nemechek, No. 42 Toyota
35. Cole Custer, No. 41 Ford
36. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Chevrolet
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