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Fuel Strategy Pays Off: Denny Hamlin Saves Gas and Wins Big at Michigan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Swaraj Patil | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 8:08 PM ET

Denny Hamlin delivered a masterclass in fuel conservation at Michigan International Speedway, claiming his third victory of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and the 57th of his career. The win came after Hamlin outlasted his rivals on fuel, seizing the lead with just four laps remaining.

This race was all about gas mileage. The FireKeepers Casino 400 turned into a nail-biter as drivers tried to make their fuel last to the end. Race leader William Byron and several others were gambling they had enough gas to finish without another pit stop.

Things got really tense with 25 laps to go. Carson Hocevar was leading but his team told him he probably wouldn't make it without a caution flag. Byron and Kyle Larson were also running low on fuel and had to start saving gas, just like Hamlin and Ty Gibbs.

The big moment came with four laps left to go when Hamlin passed Byron, who had led a race-high 98 laps. The No. 24 driver had to pit with two laps remaining for more fuel and dropped all the way back to 28th place. Chris Buescher finished second with Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson finishing in the top five.

Carson Hocevar had another heartbreaking day. For the third race in a row, he looked like he might get his first Cup win after leading 32 laps. But a flat tire with 19 laps left ruined his day and he finished 29th.

Denny Hamlin saves his fuel and wins at Michigan, picking up his third victory of the year and his 57th career win.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 8, 2025

Hamlin's Michigan triumph further cements his reputation as one of the sport's best strategists and closers, strengthening his playoff position and building momentum for the crucial summer stretch ahead.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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