For a decade, Martinsville Speedway had been a place of frustration for Denny Hamlin. The Virginia short track, where he once seemed unstoppable, had turned into a source of heartbreak. But on Sunday, Hamlin finally reclaimed his throne.
Leading an astounding 274 of the final 275 laps, Hamlin drove his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to victory in the 2025 Cook Out 400, ending a 10-year winless streak at Martinsville. The triumph marked his sixth career victory at the historic half-mile and his 55th overall NASCAR Cup Series win, tying him with Rusty Wallace for 11th on the all-time list.
A Statement Win
Hamlin’s dominance was undeniable. From the moment he took control, he never looked back, fending off a late charge from teammate Christopher Bell, who finished second. Bubba Wallace completed a Toyota sweep of the podium with a third-place finish, as the manufacturer flexed its muscle on one of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks.
“This one feels amazing,” Hamlin said in Victory Lane. “Ten years is a long time to wait, but today, we had the car, the team, and the determination to get it done.”
A Long-Awaited Return to Martinsville Glory
Hamlin’s last win at Martinsville came on March 29, 2015. Though he remained competitive over the years—with 10 top-five finishes in that span—Victory Lane remained elusive. The win also marked a milestone for his new crew chief, Chris Gayle, who took over the No. 11 team this season.
“This is a huge moment for our team,” Gayle said. “Denny drove a flawless race, and everyone in the shop put in the work to make this car as strong as it was today.”
The Road Ahead
With this victory, Hamlin locks himself into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, setting himself up as a serious championship contender. But more than anything, this win was about reclaiming his place at Martinsville—a track where legends are made.
“We’re not done yet,” Hamlin said with a grin. “This is just the beginning.”
