Denny Hamlin, the experienced Joe Gibbs Racing driver, has revealed his main worries about the upcoming 2025 NASCAR playoffs in a recent social media Q&A with fans. Sharing candid thoughts ahead of the season’s key races, Hamlin’s comments focus on the challenges he anticipates as he competes at high-profile venues, placing a spotlight on Denny Hamlin NASCAR playoffs concerns.
Hamlin Discusses the Playoffs Schedule and Key Races
Just before the start of this season’s playoffs, Hamlin responded to a fan on Instagram who asked which round of the 2025 playoffs concerns him most. Hamlin, who earned his place in this season’s showdown after clinching victory at Martinsville Speedway, gave insight into the decisive round of eight, emphasizing the tough line-up awaiting him and his Joe Gibbs Racing crew.
The first of these critical races is the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, taking place on October 12, 2025. Hamlin has only secured a single win on this track, which occurred in 2021, intensifying his drive to claim a second victory at this venue. The intensity then shifts to Talladega Superspeedway for the YellaWood 500 on October 19. Although Hamlin has seen success there with two wins, the unpredictability of superspeedway racing always looms large.
Finally, the Xfinity 500 rounds out the stage at Martinsville Speedway on October 26. This particular track has proven to be one of Hamlin’s strongest, as he boasts six career wins there, giving him a boost of confidence heading into the final race of the round. Still, the pressure of competing at these three challenging tracks in succession is significant, and Hamlin’s dedication and competitive drive remain steadfast as the playoffs approach.
Looking at Recent Performance and Upcoming Challenges
Hamlin’s recent performance offers both motivation and pressure. After finishing 25th at Daytona International Speedway just last week, attention now turns to the Cook Out Southern 500, the playoff opener scheduled for August 31, 2025. The 367-lap event at Darlington will be broadcast nationally by USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, and HBO Max at 6 pm ET. Notably, Hamlin has a strong record at this event, having triumphed there three times—in 2010, 2017, and 2021.
As the playoffs continue, Hamlin’s resilience and experience will be tested at each turn, from familiar tracks like Martinsville to the volatility of Talladega, ensuring that every point and position has heightened importance as he battles for championship contention.
The Strain of Competing Against Teammates
Denny Hamlin added further insight into the emotional intensity of racing in NASCAR during a post-race interview discussing his 58th career Cup Series win at Dover Motor Speedway. The victory did not come easily, as Hamlin found himself embroiled in a heated contest with his teammate, Chase Briscoe, as the laps wound down on July 20, 2025.
“Yeah, that’s the toughest; it’s the toughest line to walk truthfully because if it is someone else, you don’t mind running them up in the fuzz, right? If it’s a teammate, you gotta sit down; you gotta see that guy tomorrow afternoon. So it’s just a little different in that aspect.”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
“But you know, when we went back, right before we went back, Chris and I were walking back to our cars, and I said, ‘Just don’t wipe me out.’ I was just, you know, I was afraid with him on, you know, we got old tires. I don’t know what the grip level of the track is. I just didn’t want JGR to clean itself out and then, you know, somebody else win it,”
Hamlin added.
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
These candid remarks highlight the intricate balance required when racing closely with teammates like Chase Briscoe, driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, under intense playoff conditions—the kind of fine line that can determine a team’s fortunes for an entire season.
Where Hamlin Stands in the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs
Currently, Denny Hamlin is third on the Cup Series playoff leaderboard, boasting a 23-point lead above the elimination mark. Over 25 starts this season, Hamlin has accrued 2,029 points, secured four victories, claimed 13 top-ten finishes, 11 within the top five, and earned one pole position. This consistency, paired with high-profile wins and competitive performances at tracks like Dover Motor Speedway and others, positions Hamlin as a strong championship contender as the 2025 playoffs progress.
With the spotlight firmly on the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Hamlin navigates the complexities of the playoffs schedule—especially at critical circuits like Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway. The next few months will reveal whether his careful preparation and longstanding NASCAR experience will carry him through to another shot at championship glory, as the intensity and emotional stakes continue to rise.
