Denny Hamlin just scored the biggest and most emotional win of NASCAR career

It's rare to see Denny Hamlin get emotional after a victory. 

But on Sunday, after winning in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 60th time and clinching a spot in the Championship 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hamlin shed a few tears. 

Those tears were mostly because Hamlin's 75-year-old father, Dennis, isn't doing well, according to his son. As clutch and historic as Hamlin's win was, it's the personal aspect of it that made it so special. 

This win just means more for Denny Hamlin

"He’s the one that got me into racing," Hamlin said of his father. "Just took me to a racetrack when I was five. Then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. Sold everything they had. We almost lost our house a couple times. (We) just tried to keep it all going. So I’m glad he was able to see 60. That was super important to me."

Sixty wins is more than just a nice round number. Hamlin's 60th win ties him with Kevin Harvick for 10th all-time on the Cup Series wins list, and Hamlin drove a Hall of Fame-worthy final 15 laps on Sunday to earn it. 

"I don’t know if I could have scripted it better," Hamlin said. "I don’t know, a win at Talladega for 60 would still be awesome, but not like this. Not in the fashion I had to do it in the last 10 laps.

Just putting all the factors, I can’t imagine there’s a win bigger for me than this one. With the family, with the significance of it, now being back on top for most wins in the season, punching the ticket to the 4, all of it. The fashion in which the last 10 laps played out. All of the above is why I think this means the most."

As impressive as Hamlin's winning drive was, he admitted that he requested some divine intervention in the race's waning moments. 

"I did say a prayer into three with two to go for no caution," Hamlin said. "I try not to ask for prayers for things that really don’t matter, like competition. I needed to see this one through all the way. So I borrowed... asked for a favor on this one."

Hamlin will now have a chance to win his first Cup Series title on Nov. 2 and put to rest the narrative that he's unable to close the deal. A championship would only be further validation for Hamlin that the sacrifice that his parents made to support his career when he was young was worth it. 

"My parents had no money," Hamlin said. "My parents had very normal jobs, but they found a way. That way is a path I would never recommend anybody taking. Asking people to help. Second and third (mortgages on) the house. All these things. The arguments I had to listen to. I’m in my room, and my mom and dad are going at it. One is saying, 'I can’t do it anymore.' The other one saying, 'please, just one more week.'

It’s great it’s all paid off. Certainly they got the life now that they deserved before I decided to do this."

Hamlin has been in the Championship 4 four times before. He's heard that it's finally "his year" more times than he can probably count. But 2025 could, in all actuality, be the season that he finally hoists the championship trophy.

"I’m just going to try as hard as I can," Hamlin said. "Maybe I can get lucky."

Quotes provided by NASCAR Media unless otherwise noted.