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Hamlin Wins Michigan, Ties Busch for Ninth All-Time

6/9/2026

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Summary

Hamlin Wins Michigan

Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan after starting from the rear.
He beat Erik Jones by 11.110 seconds, the largest Michigan margin since 1991.
The victory was Hamlin’s 63rd Cup win, tying Kyle Busch for ninth all-time.
NASCAR cleared the No. 11 Toyota in inspection and sent it for engine dyno testing.

Summary

Hamlin Honors Busch

Denny Hamlin created a tribute flag that merged Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 1 with Richard Childress Racing’s red No. 8 after coordinating trademark rights, honoring Kyle Busch’s former No. 18 and his recent No. 8 stint.
Samantha Busch posted an Instagram thank-you on Friday, thanking supporters after Kyle Busch’s death on May 21.
Hamlin said he will race through the 2027 season, aiming to retire competitive and chase a championship against Tyler Reddick.

Summary

Bell Crash

A 20-minute red flag stopped the race when Christopher Bell hit the SAFER barrier after colliding with Chase Elliott, forcing wall repairs.
Points leader Tyler Reddick took his first DNF, cutting his lead over Hamlin from 97 to 51 points.
The race set a Michigan Cup record for the most cautions.
Rookie Connor Zilisch spun twice early, his third straight last-place finish and DNF streak.
Next weekend NASCAR heads to Pocono for the Great American Getaway 400 on June 14, televised on Prime Video at 3:00 PM ET.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 Dale Earnhardt won the Michigan 400 after a caution-free second half and more than 30 lead changes, a dominant performance that set a benchmark at Michigan International Speedway. Over three decades later, Denny Hamlin’s rear-start victory at the June 14, 2024 Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono echoed that dominance, underscoring NASCAR’s lasting appeal.

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Hamlin Wins Michigan

Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan after starting from the rear.
He beat Erik Jones by 11.110 seconds, the largest Michigan margin since 1991.
The victory was Hamlin’s 63rd Cup win, tying Kyle Busch for ninth all-time.
NASCAR cleared the No. 11 Toyota in inspection and sent it for engine dyno testing.

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