Why Denny Hamlin carried another driver's flag after his Michigan NASCAR win

Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 6, 2026, securing his 63rd career NASCAR Cup Series victory. Hamlin used the win to honor the late Kyle Busch, who passed away on May 21, by waving a special No. 18 flag and wearing a matching hat during his celebrations.

Why was Denny Hamlin’s victory significant?

The win marks a major milestone for Hamlin, who now ties the late Kyle Busch for ninth place on the all-time career wins list. To honor his former teammate and fierce competitor, Hamlin displayed a flag and hat combining Busch’s No. 8 and No. 18.

Hamlin noted that while Busch “would have been pissed” to lose today, there was deep mutual respect between the two. He dedicated the moment to Busch’s wife, Samantha, and children, Brexton and Lennix.

Did You Know? Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway set a new track record with 11 caution flags.

How did the FireKeepers Casino 400 unfold?

Hamlin’s path to the winner’s circle was volatile. Despite qualifying on the pole, he started at the back of the pack because his team made unapproved adjustments following a practice flat tire.

The race saw significant attrition, including a nine-car crash on Lap 83 that spun Hamlin around. While Hamlin continued, the wreck eliminated contenders Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs.

Another severe crash with 53 laps remaining took out Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell. Bell’s impact was so violent it caused a 20-minute red flag to repair the wall; he was later released from the care center with wrist and ankle injuries.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter observes that Hamlin’s ability to recover from a last-place start and a multi-car accident highlights a high level of resilience. The emotional weight of tying Busch’s record adds a layer of psychological significance to this specific victory.

What happened with the local Michigan drivers?

Local talent showed strong presence but couldn’t secure the top spot. Erik Jones of Byron finished second, while Carson Hocevar took fifth, marking his best career finish at the track.

Denny Hamlin's Incredible Kyle Busch Tribute After Michigan Win | 2026 NASCAR Cup Series

Rochester Hills native Brad Keselowski finished 34th after an early crash. According to race data, no Michigan-born driver has ever won a Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

What may happen next for the series?

Given the chaotic nature of the restarts, teams may look to adjust their pushing strategies to avoid the “zig-zag” contact Hamlin described. The high frequency of accidents could lead to increased scrutiny of driver aggression during restarts.

Hamlin could potentially move past the ninth-place all-time tie in upcoming races, while injured drivers like Christopher Bell may need time to recover from their specific injuries.

Top 10 Finishers

Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota
Erik Jones, No. 43 Toyota
Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota
Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet
Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet
Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Chevrolet
Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford
Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford
Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford
Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Toyota

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did Denny Hamlin honor during his victory celebration?

Hamlin honored the late Kyle Busch, who died suddenly on May 21, by wearing a Busch hat and waving a flag featuring Busch’s racing numbers.

Why did Denny Hamlin have to start the race at the back?

Although he qualified on the pole, his team made unapproved adjustments to the car due to a flat tire during practice.

Which drivers were injured or eliminated in the major crashes?

Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs were taken out on Lap 83, while Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell were eliminated in a crash with 53 laps to go.

Do you think a Michigan-born driver will eventually break the streak and win at MIS?

Why Denny Hamlin carried another driver’s flag after his Michigan NASCAR win