Denny Hamlin NASCAR racing advice emerged from personal experience, as the three-time Daytona 500 winner waited until the 22nd week of the 2025 season to claim his first victory and watched as Bubba Wallace delivered 23XI Racing its inaugural win of the year. This milestone arrived during an event that Hamlin himself has long aspired to win, emphasizing the difficult realities that come with competing at the highest level of NASCAR.
Hamlin addressed Bubba Wallace’s previous 100-race drought before his victory at Indianapolis, describing how Wallace managed to weather the long dry spell by focusing on separating the good from the bad. This coping strategy, Hamlin explained, allows drivers to carry on despite the frequent disappointments that define the sport. According to Hamlin, even for accomplished drivers, only a small percentage of races end in triumph—making resilience essential.
It seemed like on the bad days he was able to compartmentalize that and then think about the positives versus everything sucks all the time. That’s a tough way to live…We’re in a business where if you can win 5 percent of the time, you’re a Hall of Famer. You’re going to lose.
Denny Hamlin said via Autoweek.
The veteran racer underlined that NASCAR is fundamentally more about facing setbacks than achieving success. He noted that sustaining motivation relies on creating smaller victories and finding fulfillment in goals beyond simply finishing first. This lesson, originally imparted by former crew chief Mike ford/”>Ford early in Hamlin’s career, shaped his approach and outlook in the demanding racing environment.
This is a losing business, and you have to find happiness in some other way other than actually winning. Mike Ford told me that early in my career, and that was the best advice I’ve ever been given.
Denny Hamlin added.
In line with this advice, Hamlin counseled Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 toyota/”>Toyota Camry, to set attainable objectives alongside the central ambition of winning. Given the relentless challenges of Cup Series competition, Hamlin encouraged Wallace to celebrate incremental improvements and personal achievements, reinforcing the value of steady performance across an arduous season. According to Hamlin, Wallace has strived to embrace this perspective over the past year, which has contributed to his recent surge in results.
It’s something that certainly needed to be told to Bubba that you’ve got to find these little goals that you feel good about because it’s tough out there. It’s up to you to put in the work and it’s up to you to want it and then let your abilities go from there. It just seems over the last 12 months the performance is definitely better.
Denny Hamlin asserted.
Setting Goals Beyond the Checkered Flag
Hamlin’s philosophy extends beyond a single race or driver. As a longtime participant in NASCAR’s top ranks, he advocates for a mindset shift—focusing on milestones aside from outright victories. He highlights that, with the nature of the competition and the high skill among drivers like Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Kyle Larson, achieving something meaningful goes well beyond standings and statistics.
This guidance, reflecting both Hamlin’s journey and Mike Ford’s words, suggests that sustained commitment and satisfaction are found in the pursuit of personal progress and teamwork, not solely by racking up wins. These insights offer direction not only to Bubba Wallace but also to others in NASCAR who wrestle with the pressures and unpredictable outcomes embedded in the sport’s culture.
Hamlin’s Battle for the 2025 Regular Season Championship
Turning attention to his own standing in the 2025 campaign, Denny Hamlin analyzed his position after securing four wins so far. With only four races left before the playoff phase, Hamlin sits 20 points behind points leader Chase Elliott, positioned in fourth place behind the trio of Byron, Larson, and Elliott. The race to the top tightens with each event, especially as Hamlin acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Hendrick Motorsports’ dominant drivers.
Looking ahead, Hamlin singled out the upcoming races—Iowa, Daytona, and especially Watkins Glen—as pivotal moments that will influence his push toward the championship. Victory at these tracks is far from guaranteed, and Hamlin recognizes that some luck alongside performance will be crucial in closing the gap.
It’s going to be close. I mean, it is what it is. I spotted these boys a race. I think it’ll be difficult. Iowa, Daytona, Watkins Glen … I need to hold serve at Watkins Glen. It’s still I mean I’m behind, not ahead. So, I’m probably going to need a little bit of help, but yeah, we’ll see.
Denny Hamlin said.
Hamlin’s comments underscore his awareness of the challenge ahead and the competitive intensity that marks the season’s climax. The prospects of his No. 11 team, as well as Wallace and other 23XI Racing drivers, remain uncertain but filled with determination. The battle for the regular season title, with the presence of leading names like Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Kyle Larson, heightens anticipation for fans and competitors alike.
What This Means for NASCAR and Its Drivers
Denny Hamlin’s insights provide a candid look at the emotional ups and downs that define NASCAR, a sport built on perseverance and the willingness to chase success despite overwhelming odds. For drivers such as Bubba Wallace, these lessons encourage a healthier, more sustainable engagement with a sport where most weekends end without a checkered flag. As the season approaches its decisive moments, Hamlin’s commitment to both personal victory and the growth of his fellow drivers stands out.
The next several races will be crucial not just for Hamlin’s chances at the regular season title, but also as a further test of the mindset and methods he espouses. Regardless of the final results, his approach to NASCAR’s inherent turbulence continues to influence drivers seeking to balance ambition and acceptance in a demanding environment.
