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Las Vegas Playoff Recap: Denny Hamlin Advances to Championship 4, Byron and Blaney Struggle, NASCAR 750 HP News

Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour presented by NASCAR on FOX Oct 14, 2025 63 min

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About this episode

The podcast dives into a detailed recap of the Las Vegas NASCAR playoff race, highlighting Denny Hamlin's impressive advancement to the Championship 4 and his emotional 60th win amid personal challenges. The hosts discuss struggles faced by William Byron and Ryan Blaney, including Byron's pit road incident and Blaney's early exit. They analyze race strategies, especially the two-tire call by Chase Briscoe's team, and preview the upcoming Talladega race with insights on super speedway dynamics and brand performance. Additionally, NASCAR's planned horsepower increase for 2026 is debated, with Kyle Larson's perspective included. The episode wraps with nostalgic gaming talk and a tease of a special guest joining for an ARCA race discussion.

Topics: denny hamlin playoff performance william byron pit incident ryan blaney playoff struggles chase briscoe two-tire strategy talladega race preview nascar horsepower increase 2026 super speedway racing dynamics nascar video games arca racing plans nascar playoff points battle

Cars: Mazda MX-5 / Miata Oldsmobile Intrigue

It was a monumental weekend in Las Vegas! Kevin Harvick, Kaitlyn Vincie, and Mamba Smith recap Denny Hamlin’s emotional victory, which not only secured his spot in the Championship 4, but also marked his 60th career Cup win, tying him with Harvick on the all-time list. The crew breaks down what this win means for Joe Gibbs Racing, and how it shakes up the Round of 8. Then, the team reacts to NASCAR’s massive horsepower announcement, increasing output to 750 horsepower on select tracks next season. Harvick and Kaitlyn share why they’ve been pushing for this change — but explain why they’re skeptical it will make a huge difference right away. Plus, Mamba brings the week’s best social media moments in Social Sips, and in Last Call, the crew grades Hamlin’s burnout and makes their Talladega predictions. LINK TO SUBMIT PICKS FOR TALLADEGA: https://forms.gle/Jw4H6P12RD4Qcjgd9 0:00 - Intro 5:36 - Las Vegas Recap 28:17 - Talladega Preview 35:46 - NASCAR To Boost Horsepower In 2026 43:06 - Mamba’s Social Sips 55:47 - Last Call! 1:00:06 - Submit Picks For Talladega GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Technical Too Afraid to Ask

SsmIntrigue (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Car

Oldsmobile Intrigue

"All right guys. So this race, the ending had some intrigue with differing strategies."

MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Car

Mazda MX-5 / Miata

"when I drove this Miata. That was game changer."

2 cars

2 cars featured

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