By the Numbers: Denny Hamlin vs. Kyle Larson

By Staff Report | Published: October 14, 2025 10

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Denny Hamlin got the better of Kyle Larson on Sunday at Las Vegas, marking the eighth time the two of them have finished 1-2 in a Cup Series race. With the playoffs heating up, the on-track comparisons are worth a revisit.

MORE: Cup Series standings | 2025 season schedule

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Denny Hamlin races against Kyle Larson at Bristol.

Ethan Smith | For NASCAR Digital Media

Head-to-head record

Hamlin and Larson have finished 1-2 in eight Cup Series races, with Hamlin on the winning side seven times:

1. Richmond (Sept. 10, 2016); Hamlin
2. New Hampshire (July 16, 2017); Hamlin
3. Darlington (Sept. 5, 2021); Hamlin
4. Kansas (May 7 2023); Hamlin
5. Bristol (Sept. 16, 2023); Hamlin
6. Dover (April 28, 2024); Hamlin
7. Bristol (April 14, 2025); Larson
8. Las Vegas (Oct. 12, 2025); Hamlin

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Kyle Larson drives ahead of pack of Cup Series cars at Bristol.

Ethan Smith | For NASCAR Digital Media

Laps led in 2025

Larson: 1,100*
Hamlin: 813

*First among all active drivers

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Denny Hamlin celebrates at Darlington Raceway as champagne is sprayed around him.

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Average finish in 2025

Hamlin: 13.3
Larson: 13.4

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Denny Hamlin, reflected in the bright lights of driver introductions at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Ethan Smith | For NASCAR Digital Media

Laps run in the top 15 this season

Hamlin: 6,032
Larson: 5,888

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Kyle Larson puts on sunglasses at Bristol.

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Wins in the Next Gen era

Larson: 16 (three this season)
Hamlin: 14 (six this season)

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Alex Slitz | Getty Images

Top-five finishes in Next Gen era

Larson: 56 (13 this season)
Hamlin: 50 (14 this season)

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Chris Graythen | Getty Images

Top-10 finishes in Next Gen era

Larson: 75 (20 this season)
Hamlin: 70 (17 this season)

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Jonathan Bachman | Getty Images

NASCAR Insights stats

Through 33 races, what do more in-depth statistics say, according to NASCAR Insights?

Passing: Larson 8th; Hamlin 13th
Defense: Larson 4th; Hamlin 6th
Speed: Larson 1st; Hamlin 5th
Restarts: Larson 2nd; Hamlin 8th
Pit crew: Larson 1st; Hamlin 8th

Larson outranks Hamlin 5-0.

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Kyle Larson (L) and Denny Hamlin (R) look on.

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Final count

Based on those statistical categories, Larson has a 5-2 edge over Hamlin. For now, though, the big-picture advantage belongs to Hamlin, who has already clinched a spot in the Championship 4 field for the Nov. 2 finale at Phoenix Raceway.