BROOKLYN, Mich. — Denny Hamlin played the fuel game like a poker pro, snagging the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday for his third 2025 NASCAR Cup Series win. With his fiancée Jordan Fish due to deliver their baby boy any day, Hamlin’s burnout in Victory Lane felt extra sweet, even if his Toyota needed a tow after running dry.The 44-year-old outdueled RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher, who settled for second, and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs in third. Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson rounded out the top five, with Ross Chastain, Zane Smith, Kyle Busch, Ryan Preece, and Brad Keselowski completing the top 10. Stage 1 belonged to Buescher, while William Byron nabbed Stage 2 before his tank betrayed him.
Drama was Michigan’s middle name. Carson Hocevar, after leading 32 laps, saw his dreams pop with a late tire blowout, forcing a pit stop that sank his chances. Byron, who owned the race with 98 laps led, sputtered to 28th when his fuel ran out on the penultimate lap. Chase Elliott, usually a fan favorite, limped to 15th, unable to find the groove to contend.Amazon Prime Video’s coverage stole the show off the track, with fans on X buzzing about the sharp visuals and fewer commercial breaks—Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s commentary didn’t hurt either. The streaming giant’s third NASCAR broadcast of 2025 seems to be winning over skeptics.Hamlin, ever the showman, trolled the Michigan crowd post-race: “I beat your favorite driver, folks!” But his mind was partly elsewhere, awaiting his third child’s arrival. “Winning’s great, but nothing tops becoming a dad again,” he said, grinning. With Mexico City next, Hamlin’s playoff push—and dad duties—are heating up.
Top 10 Finishers:
Denny Hamlin, Chris Buescher, Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastain, Zane Smith, Kyle Busch, Ryan Preece, Brad Keselowski
Stage 1: Chris Buescher
Stage 2: William Byron
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Denny Hamlin’s Wild Win at Michigan Shocks Fans