Austin served as the backdrop for Denny Hamlin’s first top-10 finish at the Circuit of the Americas, a track that has long been challenging for him. On a day when Hamlin started 19th and hovered near 18th for much of the race, strategic decisions and late-race events allowed him to secure 10th place in the NASCAR Cup Series, turning a typically modest result into a milestone.
Strategic Pit Calls and Late-Race Drama Shape Hamlin’s Run
Throughout his previous visits to COTA, Hamlin had never finished better than 14th and had hit a low point last year with a 21st-place finish. Unlike past struggles, this time he encountered difficulties starting well, beginning 19th on the grid. He gained minimal stage points, only picking up one for finishing 19th in stage one after most drivers had pitted.
With 21 laps remaining, a caution flag for Ross Chastain losing a wheel presented an opportunity. Hamlin and crew chief Chris Gayle took a calculated risk by staying out while others pitted, resulting in a restart in eighth place amid drivers who had made the same call. The restart proved chaotic as Connor Zilisch and Zane Smith spun in front of him, yet Hamlin skillfully navigated the mayhem and climbed near the top five.
In the closing laps, several drivers including Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, Michael McDowell, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and AJ Allmendinger passed him. Still, Hamlin held on to finish 10th, marking his best-ever finish at COTA.
Reflection on Hamlin’s Achievement and Current Season Standing
Expressing his relief and pride, Hamlin said,
“First mistake-free road course for me in six years. It’s freaking amazing. It’s like a win. I’m telling you, this is a win,”
highlighting the significance of the accomplishment.
This top-10 result is Hamlin’s best so far in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, following a tough start that included a 31st-place finish at the Daytona 500 and a 13th-place result at EchoPark Speedway Atlanta, both hampered by late crashes. Currently, Hamlin sits 23rd in the points standings, trailing the NASCAR Cup Series Chase cutoff by eight points.
Looking Ahead to Phoenix Raceway and Hamlin’s Quest for Redemption
Next on the schedule is Phoenix Raceway, a venue associated with both disappointment and determination for Hamlin. Last fall’s championship race at Phoenix saw him dominate by leading 208 of 312 laps before a late caution involving William Byron led to an overtime finish. Ultimately, Hamlin finished sixth and lost the title to Kyle Larson, who did not lead any laps during that race.
Following that heartbreaking loss, Hamlin revealed that he initially struggled with the thought of returning to racing. Compounding that season was the sudden passing of his father in the off-season, a personal tragedy that made his comeback even more challenging. Despite these hurdles, Hamlin has returned to racing with renewed focus and aims to clinch his third Cup victory at Phoenix.
