Denny Hamlin tied Kyle Busch on NASCAR's all-time wins list with 63 career Cup Series wins. He achieved this feat by winning the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday.
What happened?
Denny Hamlin dominated the final stage of the FireKeepers Casino 400 to capture his 63rd career NASCAR Cup Series win. This victory tied him with Kyle Busch, who died unexpectedly on May 21.
Hamlin was handed a black “18” flag with Busch’s signature after the win, combining his number from Joe Gibbs Racing with the stylized No. 8 from Richard Childress Racing. He also performed a Polish Victory Lap, a tribute to his late friend and competitor.
Denny Hamlin's NASCAR legacy
Denny Hamlin has a year and a half left on his contract as a full-time NASCAR driver. With 63 wins, he could retire with 70 Cup Series wins, making him one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history.
Hamlin is now tied for ninth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list, with Dale Earnhardt ahead of him with 76 career Cup Series victories. He will surely be a first-ballot Hall of Famer due to his success with Joe Gibbs Racing.
What comes next?
At 45 years old, Denny Hamlin is showing no signs of slowing down. He has three wins already this season, with an 8.3 average finish, which would be his best ever.
Team owner Richard Childress announced that Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 car, formerly the No. 8, for the rest of the season. The team has not announced who will drive the car in 2027 and beyond.
Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch were the longest-tenured teammates in NASCAR history, competing together in 523 races. Hamlin paid tribute to Busch, saying it was an unbelievable feeling to be able to strap in every week and compete at a high level.