Denny Hamlin Quest for NASCAR Glory: Veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin maintained his bold claim on Sunday. He kept saying this was his year to win the NASCAR title. Hamlin didn’t change his mind after beating Bristol Motor Speedway to advance his No. 11 team to the second round of the high-stakes NASCAR playoffs.
Hamlin tweeted, “It’s our year,” with four captivating Saturday night show photos. He did this to demonstrate his confidence.
Hamlin remained steadfast despite booing during driver introductions and his 51st career win. The driver seemed unfazed and rejoiced with Bubba Wallace, who also advanced to the playoffs. Joe Gibbs Racing’s 23XI vehicles and team boss advanced to the next round.
Hamlin spoke passionately with the irate audience and said he was still confident this season would make him the finest NASCAR racer ever.
Hamlin has had a fantastic career and worked for Joe Gibbs Racing for 18 years (he just renewed his contract) but has never won a Cup. He nearly won both the head-to-head and winner-takes-all matches.
Last year, Ross Chastain passed Hamlin on the last lap with a video game-style maneuver to get to the final round. This year, Hamlin wants to determine his future.
Hamlin and his No. 11 crew demonstrated their toughness by trying to win at Darlington and Kansas (Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick did). After Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, both past NASCAR champions (Logano was the 2022 champion), were eliminated at Bristol, their chances improved.
Hamlin waved Bristol’s winner’s gladiator-style sword and enjoyed the crowd’s jeers. He confessed, “After 18 years, I’ve accepted that I will unlikely win the most popular driver title. That’s my decision. I understand.”
“They think they’re bothering me. It’s worsening things. Fans are welcome to join the dark side. All five of my fans are still calling me.”
Hamlin ranks 13th in NASCAR winner history. Could this be his breakthrough year? He beat Hall of Famers Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson in Bristol, but he still doesn’t have the Cup.
Long and fruitful career for Hamlin. He has won the Daytona 500 multiple times, but the Cup title has yet to be on his mind because the winner takes it all.
“I just want to get to Phoenix.” He said he’ll think about being the best that day when we get there. “If we play well every week, no one can beat us. I don’t see it this way.”
This year’s round of 12 includes Hamlin’s teammates Martin Truex Jr. and Christopher Bell and 23XI Racing’s formidable two-car fleet. Martin Truex Jr., the regular season champion, nearly didn’t make it out of Bristol, where Logano became the first reigning champion to lose in the first round.
“I don’t think this round could have been worse,” Truex remarked. “I’m excited for the next round and restart. We hope to avoid such misfortune.”
The Chevrolet drivers won thanks to Kyle Larson and William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Busch and Ross Chastain of Richard Childress Racing, and Ross Chastain of Stackhouse Racing. After losing three drivers at Bristol, Ford’s only drivers were Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, and Chris Buescher of RFK Racing.
Hamlin won at Bristol and started well in the first two playoff races, but his crew chief, Chris Gabehart, is still hesitant to call them title favorites.
I think we’re the favorites to win the last round,” Gabehart remarked. You then reach Phoenix, where there is one race. We’re great at what we do. We have everything. “Sure, why not us?”
Realist Hamlin says he’s content with his racing career regardless of a Cup win. Still, his current performance puts him in an excellent position to win his first championship.
I’ve always been better. I doubt our team has ever been better.” We’re good enough when we’re good,” he stated. “I just want to get to Phoenix. I’ll consider how to do my best that day when we get there. We know no one can defeat us week after week when we’re fantastic. I beg to differ.”
Denny Hamlin’s unwavering optimism may soon come true as the NASCAR playoffs heat up and a title is tantalizingly close.
ALSO READ: Bubba Wallace Bristol Saga: Navigating the NASCAR Crucible
Our Reader’s Queries
Has Denny Hamlin ever won a championship?
Despite having an impressive Cup résumé with 51 wins and three Daytona 500 trophies, Denny Hamlin has yet to secure a NASCAR Cup Series championship. He has finished in the top-5 in the standings for eight seasons, but this coveted title still eludes him.
How many wins did Denny Hamlin have in 2023?
Denny Hamlin, with an impressive 11 podium finishes, secured victory in three races, came in second in four races, and landed in third place in another four races. His consistent performance throughout the season has earned him a well-deserved spot among the top contenders in the racing world.
Does FedEx still sponsor Denny Hamlin?
Joe Gibbs Racing will welcome back Denny Hamlin for the 2024 NASCAR season. However, FedEx has yet to confirm an extension of their partnership with Hamlin and the team. Despite a decrease in their involvement in NASCAR over the past few years, it is anticipated that the company will continue to support Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing.
Are Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish back together?
Jordan Fish expresses gratitude towards fans who prayed for her family alongside Denny Hamlin. Similar to her fiancé, Jordan has been ecstatic since revealing their engagement at the start of 2024.
