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NASCAR Monday Mash-Up: Denny Hamlin finds 'Gateway' to next round

JHby: Jonathan Howard09/08/25Jondean25
Denny Hamlin NASCAR win Gateway
Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

The second round of the NASCAR Playoffs ended with a big win for Denny Hamlin and question marks for many others. Gateway gave us a glimpse into what we might expect at New Hampshire and later, Phoenix for the championship.

As the NASCAR Playoffs continue, we are going to see more surprises and chaos. Drivers will be desperate at Bristol this weekend, and that can create a lot of different situations.

Only two drivers are truly safe: Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin. Everyone else has to at least meet a minimum level of performance. Then there are those who will have to win to advance.

Denny Hamlin addresses Tyler Reddick free agency status

Before the racing started last weekend, Denny Hamlin had to again address the NASCAR lawsuit. Tyler Reddick isn’t racing a chartered car. Technically, that’s a violation of his contract.

When asked if Reddick had heard from other teams, Hamlin dismissed it. He doesn’t see Reddick going anywhere for 2026 but 23XI Racing.

Jeb Burton takes massive hit, car catches on fire

The NASCAR Xfinity Series had its regular season finale on Saturday night. Jeb Burton had to have a great race, and hope his little cousin Harrison Burton ran into trouble.

Instead, Burton ended his race early with a damaged car. A massive hit into the wall after a right front tire went down led to a fire in his car. Jeb ultimately missed the postseason again.

Late wreck sends NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers scrambling

It wasn’t just Jeb Burton wrecking. Late in the Xfinity Series race, a messy restart sent the field scrambling across the track.

Haas Factory Team took a good hit to both cars. There were a number of other drivers involved. It did force Connor Zilisch to defend his lead on a late restart.

Connor Zilisch makes it look easy, wins again in NASCAR Xfinity Series

Despite late restarts in this race, Connor Zilisch made it all look easy. Nine times this season, Zilisch has won. Eight if you want to be technical, but the record books say nine.

The 19-year-old claimed the regular season title and the bonus points. He is +59 going into the Xfinity Playoffs.

Get the cameraman off of the track, please

During Connor Zilisch’s celebratory burnout, things got scary. The CW cameraman had a very close call with the hood of the 88 car.

Why? Why is there a person on the track while it is still hot? Burnouts can get wild. Drivers lose control of the car regularly during these celebrations. Thankfully, this was only a close call.

Bill Murray steals the spotlight for a moment before NASCAR race

The grand marshal for the Cup Series on Sunday was Bill Murray. The acclaimed actor and comedian had a fun role to play for the weekend.

Not only did he crack jokes in the drivers meeting, but he gave Denny Hamlin a pep talk. Then he delivered a 10/10 command to start engines.

Michael Bay is jealous of Gateway explosions

The explosions at Gateway before each Cup Series race are awesome. The debris causes issues at times, but it is worth it.

There are tracks that have a certain identity and Gateway is still shaping its identity. Those giant fireballs are awesome, though, and should stay forever.

Josh Berry can’t avoid disaster once again in NASCAR Playoffs

Once again, Josh Berry was out of the NASCAR Playoff race early. Lap 1 at Darlington, but this time he made it further.

Berry has yet to complete a full stage in the playoffs his season. That has him in a dire spot going into Bristol. Win or bust for the 21 team.

Kyle Larson spins Ryan Blaney in near catastrophe

While the incident didn’t take Ryan Blaney out of the race, Kyle Larson made a big mistake at the end of Stage 2. Now, Blaney has a bit of a grudge against the Hendrick driver.

Larson said it was a mistake. Blaney said it doesn’t matter if it was or not. So, what will come of this incident?

Denny Hamlin wins, embraces boos from NASCAR fans

Another win this season for Denny Hamlin. Five on the year, 59 in his career. Hamlin teased the crowd once again on Sunday and loved every second of it.

Hamlin looks to be in top form. Is this the season he finally gets the championship he has chased for so long?