Denny Hamlin secured his third NASCAR Cup Series victory in the 2025 season with a victory at Michigan International Speedway (June 8). This victory was especially important as it marked a new kickoff for NASCAR’s new season challenges. This is a tournament-style competition introduced this season.
The Michigan race served as the first of three seed events. Hamlin’s victory guarantees the coveted spot he has been sought after in the 32 driver bracket phase of the tournament.
The challenges during the season span eight races in June and July, with the first three deciding which drivers will advance to the single elimination bracket, including Michigan, Mexico City and Pocono. The winners of the race are automatically qualify, but are set up to fill the remaining slots with the best finishers throughout these events.
After the seed race is completed, the bracket phase begins at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 28th, with the driver winning a $1 million prize. In each round of the tournament, the drivers are faced off in person, with a better finish moving on to the next stage. The field narrows from 32 to 16, then 8, 4, and finally 2.
NASCAR Insights summed up the tournament and shared their current seed position. At the time of writing, Denny Hamlin has been on top.
“Michigan has placed first in three seed races in the tournament during the season starting at Atlanta. The seeds are based on the driver’s best finish in three races.”
This format ensures that all posts on the track are important. Because even a single spot can make the difference between progress and exclusion. The challenges during the season will run alongside the regular season.
At this point, the tournament doesn’t have a traditional point leader, but Hamlin’s Michigan victory places him as an early favorite of the High Stakes tournament.
Denny Hamlin taunts fans at a Michigan celebration
Denny Hamlin revealed that his celebration in Michigan had planned to add a new twist to his iconic catchphrase and that he had to cut short as he was about to burn fuel. When asked about his role as a NASCAR villain, Hamlin accepted the label and stated that he would enjoy it and thrive on energy from fans who boo him.
The co-owner of 23XI Racing added that while fans may give their opinions from the stands, they always respect the face-to-face interaction.
“It’s so much fun for me. I love making people feel a certain way. Positive or negative, I don’t mind. All the fans I had faced with were very respectful. They say outside on the other side of the fence, free reins.
Denny Hamlin also said he would continue to untie the crowd until the boos were replaced by cheers.
Edited by Tushar Bahl
