In a notable development at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026, Denny Hamlin secured his 61st career Cup Series victory, marking a significant milestone as he ranks 10th all-time in wins. This victory came during the Pennzoil 400, where RFK Racing demonstrated impressive performance with all three of its drivers finishing in the top 11.
Hamlin’s win was closely contested, with Chase Elliott finishing just 0.504 seconds behind in second place. RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher led the team with a sixth-place finish, while Brad Keselowski, who started in 28th position, managed to climb to 10th. Ryan Preece rounded out the team’s strong showing with an 11th-place finish.
Despite the overall success, not all drivers had a smooth race. Josh Berry finished 32nd, three laps down, and Shane van Gisbergen ended in 36th, five laps down. These results highlight the challenges faced by some of the competitors in the race.
Hamlin’s victory is particularly poignant as it is his first since the passing of his father during the offseason. This emotional backdrop adds depth to his achievement and underscores the personal significance of the win.
RFK Racing was recognized as the top-performing Ford team in the race, showcasing their competitive edge in a field where Toyota claimed five of the first nine finishing spots. Ty Gibbs also had a notable performance, finishing fifth and achieving his third consecutive top-five finish of the season.
Post-race reactions reflected the mixed emotions of the day. Chase Elliott remarked, “From where we’ve been to how we ran today, not really comparable,” indicating a sense of progress despite the close finish. Chris Buescher expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, stating, “The team went to work. We went for it all day long. Good pit stops. Good restarts. Our car handled well.”
Ty Gibbs acknowledged his struggles during the race, saying, “I wasn’t as fast as Denny was to get through the field. … I had a great time. Just, unfortunately, I sped and just stubbed myself there, but we fought back.” This sentiment captures the competitive spirit of the event.
As the season progresses, RFK Racing will look to build on this strong performance and continue to challenge for top positions in upcoming races. The team’s ability to adapt and improve will be crucial as they navigate the competitive landscape of NASCAR.
