Denny Hamlin Wins Thrilling NASCAR Overtime at Darlington

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Denny Hamlin claimed victory in a dramatic NASCAR Overtime finish at the 2025 Goodyear 400 on Sunday, showcasing his skills at the renowned Darlington Raceway.

After a day of intense racing, Hamlin and his No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE team emerged at the front after a successful pit strategy, taking the lead in the final laps as competitors battled for position behind him. ‘It feels great to win at Darlington, this place always brings out the best in me,’ said Hamlin after the race. He noted that the team’s strategy to pit at the right moments proved critical.

Tyler Reddick, initially leading the race, finished second after a fierce bid for the top position. Reddick stated, ‘We had a great car today but just couldn’t hold them off in the end.’ Ryan Blaney rounded out the top three, having made a charge late in the race.

The race started with William Byron dominating early, leading the first 186 laps and setting a record for the most consecutive laps led at Darlington since the introduction of the Next Gen car. ‘Today was all about keeping my momentum going,’ said Byron, who faced challenges toward the end of the race but maintained a competitive stance throughout.

As the race neared its conclusion, the tension escalated during NASCAR Overtime with multiple lead changes. Reddick regained the lead after Hamlin’s pit stop on Lap 248, but ultimately, Hamlin’s strategic moves on the racetrack outperformed his fellow competitors. ‘You have to know when to push and when to save your tires,’ Hamlin explained.

The race was marred by a few accidents, including a significant collision involving Christopher Bell and Joey Logano. ‘It was chaotic out there,’ Bell said, reflecting on the late-race incidents that altered the field. Logano managed to recover, finishing in the top five.

The race drew attention not only for the competitive nature but also for the nostalgic throwback paint schemes displayed by several teams, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Darlington Raceway. ‘It’s always fun to pay homage to the legends of this sport,’ said Hamlin, who sported a classic paint job. The connection to NASCAR’s history was palpable and resonated with the fans in the stands.

With fewer than ten laps remaining, the weather threatened to intervene as rain clouds loomed over the track. However, lap after lap, the drivers pushed through, showcasing their dexterity and determination to reach the finish line.

As the race concluded, fans flooded social media with celebrations for Hamlin’s win. The NASCAR Cup Series will now turn its focus to the upcoming races, but the thrilling finish at Darlington is sure to be a highlight of this season.