Denny Hamlin, the seasoned Joe Gibbs Racing driver, is intensifying his pursuit of racing greatness as he aims to secure a long-term spot in NASCAR’s elite winners circle. At 44, with the most Cup race wins in the 2025 season thus far, Hamlin’s quest to finish in the NASCAR career top 10 for all-time victories has added new urgency, especially following his recent triumph at Dover International Speedway.
The win at Dover marked Hamlin’s 58th career Cup victory, all achieved in the iconic No.11 JGR Toyota. With his initial career benchmark of 60 wins within grasp, the three-time Daytona 500 champion shared during an appearance on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast that he is moving the goalpost yet again—setting his sights on a remarkable 70 career wins.
Ambitious Goals Drive Hamlin to Set Sights Higher
Hamlin has always been known for his relentless work ethic and goal-oriented mindset, traits that have enabled his sustained success in the NASCAR Cup Series. Asked about his motivations, he stated:
“I’m just goal-driven. I know that’s such a cliche answer, right? But I’m just a goals-driven person, right? I said I want to win 60 races. Well, if I get to 60 then I’m going to tell you I want to get to 70.”
—Denny Hamlin, said on Dale Jr. Download podcast
Podcast host Dale Earnhardt Jr., himself a NASCAR Hall of Famer, expressed surprise at Hamlin’s raised ambitions, suggesting he might set a more conservative target of 65 wins instead. Hamlin, unmoved, affirmed his preference for a far loftier challenge, determined to push beyond easily attainable goals in pursuit of true racing greatness.
Mapping the Path to 70 Wins and a Lasting Legacy
The route Hamlin has outlined to reach the historic 70-win milestone is calculated yet demanding. By finishing the current season with a total of six wins and replicating four-win seasons in the next couple of years, he believes climbing to 70 is realistic. Achieving this feat would make him the 9th-winningest driver in NASCAR history—passing legends like Dale Earnhardt and ensuring his enduring presence among the sport’s most accomplished competitors.
“I mean four a year for the next couple years? Finish this year off with a couple more? I don’t know. Who knows? I don’t know. If you don’t have goals, if they’re just so easily attainable is it really a goal? It’s more like a want at that point. I don’t know. I just feel like I want to win as many races as I possibly possibly can…I really want to finish my career in the top 10 of winners list.”
—Denny Hamlin, added
Hamlin’s approach is not only about celebrating personal records but also deterring his closest rivals from advancing on the all-time winners list. He calculatedly acknowledges that drivers like Joey Logano and Kyle Larson are close to reaching 60 wins themselves. Hamlin’s surge in victories, he believes, can slow their progress, buying him more time as a top 10 fixture among NASCAR legends.
Planning Ahead to Defend a Place Among NASCAR’s Best
Hamlin candidly recognizes that simply breaking into the top 10 might not be enough to maintain his historic ranking. With new talent rising and established racers like Logano and Larson closing in, he knows he must surpass 10th place by a wide enough margin to avoid being overtaken in the future.
“I’ve got to plan on a few guys coming up that will beat that one day, right? So, you can’t just be 10th. You’re going to end up being 11th or 13th when this thing is all said and done. So, I’ve got to get myself well inside that top 10, and certainly I think today it’s harder to win than ever.”
—Denny Hamlin, said
Competition has intensified in recent seasons, with field parity making Cup victories harder to come by than in past eras. Winning now often requires both skill and strategic mastery, as the spread of talent has made multiple-race win streaks more difficult. To stay clear of rivals like Kyle Larson, Hamlin is focused on racking up as many wins as possible before considering retirement.
“I think that the wins get spread out more than other years past…So, I don’t know. As long as I can keep winning and keep guys like Kyle Larson from winning it’ll keep them from passing me in a quicker fashion.”
—Denny Hamlin, added
The Road Ahead: Achieving Greatness in a Competitive Field
Hamlin faces considerable challenges in realizing his ambitious 70-win target. Given the intense level of today’s competition and the unique pressures facing championship contenders each season—especially amid ongoing issues such as the charter lawsuit—every victory becomes more significant. Realistically, Hamlin recognizes he has perhaps four more productive seasons left before age and the physically demanding nature of the Cup Series prompt retirement.
As the road to top 10 immortality stretches out, Hamlin’s journey continues to captivate fans and competitors alike. His unwavering drive and strategic planning prove why he remains one of NASCAR’s most formidable and respected racers. Whether he reaches the 70-win milestone or not, Hamlin’s pursuit has already cemented his lasting influence on the sport’s legacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Over the years, he has won 51 Cup Series races and the Daytona 500 three times—in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Throughout his career, he has also earned millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. Ever since she was a child, Jordan loved dancing. Her passion took her to perform for the NBA team formerly known as the Charlotte Bobcats, now called the Charlotte Hornets. She met Hamlin during one of these performances.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s wealth is estimated to be about $65 million. This includes earnings from his racing career, endorsement deals, team ownership, and real estate investments. Whether driving or managing a racing team, Hamlin consistently makes wise choices both on and off the track.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has a $65 million net worth. His career earnings exceeded $100 million from NASCAR contracts and prizes. He also earns millions through endorsements with FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. Hamlin co-owns 23XI Racing, a team now worth over $100 million.
