In a thrilling late-race battle at the Kansas Speedway, Denny Hamlin emerged victorious in the 400-mile Cup Series race. Hamlin, who had not tasted victory in nearly a year, engaged in a nail-biting chase with Kyle Larson, gradually closing the gap between them. With just five laps remaining, Hamlin managed to pull alongside Larson but couldn’t find a way to pass him. However, on the final lap, Hamlin made a daring move, nudging Larson’s car in the left rear and sending him into the outside wall. The #5 HMS driver, displaying remarkable skill and control, managed to regain stability, but it was Hamlin who crossed the finish line first, claiming the win.

Denny Hamlin jabs at Kyle Larson as he talks about his bracket challenge

Later, Hamlin couldn’t help but add a touch of humor to his victory, playfully rubbing salt in Larson’s wounds. During the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin and his co-host Jared Allen discussed the ongoing tournament and the surprise upset of Larson. They bantered back and forth, relishing the victory and poking fun at those who had doubted Hamlin’s chances against Larson.

Hamlin quipped, “Whoever had Kyle Larson against me in the bracket, boy they were hating life,” while his co-host added, “They were loving life for some time.”

Hamlin gleefully exclaimed, “Boom! Kyle Larson’s out! Denny Hamlin wins that matchup. Haha, love it!”

His contagious excitement was obvious as he savored the triumph over his formidable opponent.

He even referenced an ESPN “Bad beat” and described his win as a last-second, buzzer-beating shot that left Larson and his supporters stunned.

His infectious enthusiasm was evident as he and his co-host exchanged banter, with Hamlin playfully reminding his co-host that he had promised his mother not to use any foul language. Although his co-host had already let a few expletives slip earlier in the episode, Hamlin stuck to his promise and his co-host added that he’d bleep out any inappropriate language.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Larson Lashes Out: “Get That Out of My F***king Face”

Denny Hamlin’s bracket challenge: The inside scoop

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Beyond the podcast banter, Denny Hamlin has been making waves in the NASCAR community with his innovative idea for a mid-season tournament. Hamlin’s proposal, which he initially shared with NASCAR over 18 months ago and later discussed on Twitter, aims to create more excitement and engagement in the sport during the summer months.

The concept involves a head-to-head shootout between pairs of drivers over a five-week period, with a bracket challenge determining the matchups. The top 32 drivers in the standings after the completion of ten races would qualify for the tournament. Hamlin’s vision includes a substantial $3 million prize for the eventual winner, creating a significant incentive for drivers to compete fiercely.

Hamlin’s tournament format draws inspiration from basketball’s playoff season, pitting higher-seeded drivers against lower-seeded ones. This structure promises to generate numerous storylines for fans to follow and increases the potential for betting opportunities, further enhancing the overall NASCAR experience.

Denny Hamlin’s mid-season tournament idea and his recent triumph over Kyle Larson have undoubtedly fueled the excitement within the NASCAR community. As drivers continue to compete at the highest level, fans can expect more exciting battles and memorable moments.

READ MORE: Hours Before Karma Struck Kyle Larson, He Revealed Enjoyment of “Getting People Loose” After Wrecking John Hunter Nemechek for the Win