Denny Hamlin paid an emotional tribute to Kyle Busch after tying him on NASCAR's all-time wins list with victory in the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver secured the 63rd NASCAR Cup Series win of his career after a chaotic afternoon that featured a record number of cautions.
After taking the checkered flag, Hamlin honored Busch by carrying a No. 18 flag during his burnout celebration.
Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Hamlin's victory carried added significance beyond another trip to Victory Lane. The win moved him level with Busch on NASCAR's all-time wins list, creating an emotional moment following the recent loss of his former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.
Speaking after the race, Hamlin reflected on the difficult period that both he and the wider NASCAR community have experienced.
"The off-season, it was rough for me, it was rough for the NASCAR family, we lost a lot of people. This week we lost Gentleman Ned (Jarrett), the original badass of the 11. We're still thinking of Kyle, Samantha, Brexton, Lennix.
"Just an unbelievable feeling to be able to strap in every week, and I don't take it for granted, this opportunity that I'm in. I just love we're making the best of it."
The tribute continued after the race when Hamlin carried a No. 18 flag throughout his burnout celebration. The gesture honored Busch after the pair became tied on 63 career Cup Series victories.
Hamlin and Busch spent nearly 15 years together at Joe Gibbs Racing, racing as teammates from 2008 through the 2022 season.
The result was impressive given everything Hamlin had to overcome during the weekend.
Although he won pole position, Hamlin was forced to start from the rear of the field after repairs were made to his car following a tire issue in practice.
He was also caught up in an early restart incident and spun during the opening half of the race.
None of those setbacks prevented Hamlin from charging back through the field. He eventually pulled away from the competition and crossed the finish line 11.1 seconds clear of Erik Jones, who finished second.
Bubba Wallace completed a Toyota sweep of the podium in third, while Kyle Larson and Carson Hocevar rounded out the top five.
The victory also had major championship implications. Tyler Reddick recorded his first DNF of the 2026 season, allowing Hamlin to cut the points deficit from 97 points to 51 as the regular season continues.
Read more:
