MADISON, Ill. (AP) — Nothing seems to distract Denny Hamlin, and the NASCAR star proved it again with a laser-focused victory at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday to advance in the Cup Series playoffs.

After a week in which his father was ailing and his 23XI Racing team lost a decision in its court battle with NASCAR , Hamlin compartmentalized his concerns and stayed on task for a virtually flawless weekend — starting from the pole position and leading a race-high 75 of 240 laps.

“I just step up,” Hamlin said after his series-high fifth victory this season. “All I can do is just keep being a student of the game, keep trying to get better, and every week is a chance to get a little better.”

With his 59th career win, Hamlin advanced to the second round of the playoffs and joined J

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