Hamlin Wins 63rd Cup Race, Honors Late Teammate Busch
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- Denny Hamlin secured his 63rd career Cup win at Michigan International Speedway, his second straight victory and second consecutive win at the track.
- Denny Hamlin honored late teammate Kyle Busch by waving a black No. 18 flag and radioing “We love you, KB” during his victory lap, tying Busch for ninth on the all‑time win list.
- Denny Hamlin overcame a start‑line penalty for unapproved adjustments, climbing from the rear to seize the lead on a three‑wide restart with 38 laps left and winning by 11.110 seconds, the largest margin at Michigan since 1991.
- Erik Jones finished second after also dropping to the back due to a penalty.
- Bubba Wallace earned a season‑best third place.
Why it matters: Hamlin’s victory gives him a career‑defining 63rd win, tying Kyle Busch for ninth on the all‑time Cup win list and reinforcing Joe Gibbs Racing’s competitive edge, while fans receive a heartfelt tribute to the late driver.
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