Even without a win this season, Hamlin had remained in the hunt for the regular season title against Kyle Larson right down to the final of the 26 races.<br>Larson, who has five wins on the season, eventually claimed the title and the critical 15 playoff points that came with it, which left Hamlin in a challenging position entering the playoffs.<br>One race – and one win – later, however, and ...<a class='more' href='https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/southern-500-hamlin-winner-playoffs/6663449/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=R SS-NASCAR&utm_term=News&utm_content=www'>Keep reading</a>

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