Denny Hamlin has always been fast at Martinsville. But there’s a difference between competing for wins and actually getting to Victory Lane. Hamlin got there in Sunday’s race, his first win at Martinsville since 2015.

Three Toyotas—the Nos. 11, 20, and 23—flew past the finish line at Martinsville, putting the spotlight on the Japanese manufacturer. Leading the way was none other than NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin, who claimed his 55th career Cup Series win with a statement-making performance.

The nerves were so high and the shaking so heavy as the laps wound down at Martinsville Speedway that Chris Gayle found it both humorous and concerning atop the pit box. “I was laughing and joking on the intercom,