The NASCAR Cup Series finale weekend at Phoenix Raceway was framed as Denny Hamlin’s most deeply personal shot at the championship, one driven by a profound need to deliver a win for his family. Having openly shared that his ailing 75-year-old father, Dennis Hamlin, was battling a serious illness and unable to travel, the veteran driver declared the race was likely his father’s last chance to see him claim the trophy. “I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment,” Hamlin had stated prior to the race.

Leading a race-high 208 laps from the pole position, Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 Toyota team controlled the event until a late-race caution for William Byron’s cut tire forced an overtime restart, effec

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