Nascar

Hamlin’s Near‑Miss at North Wilkesboro Extends Points Lead Ahead of Brickyard 400

A fierce duel with Joey Logano and a strong Toyota contingent set the stage for Indianapolis

A Tight Contest at North Wilkesboro

Denny Hamlin crossed the finish line in second place at North Wilkesboro Speedway, a result that not only added another podium to his season but also widened his advantage in the NASCAR Cup Series regular‑season standings.

The closing stages of the event were dominated by a fierce battle between Hamlin and Joey Logano, who fought wheel‑to‑wheel for the lead over the final 200 laps. Hamlin praised Logano's performance, admitting that his own car was right on the edge of being competitive.

Joe Gibbs Racing reinforced its strong showing, placing three of its drivers in the top four — Hamlin in second, Chase Briscoe in third and Ty Gibbs in fourth — while Toyota powered four of the six top finishers, including Bubba Wallace in sixth.

Looking Ahead to Indianapolis

With the Brickyard 400 on the horizon, Hamlin is focused on finally securing a victory at the historic Indianapolis circuit. He has finished third at the event on four occasions, the most recent being in 2025, and the missed opportunity fuels his determination.

The upcoming race offers valuable championship points and a chance to extend his lead, as Hamlin continues to chase both wins and the consistency needed for a title run.

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