Dale Earnhardt Jr. has voiced strong support for Denny Hamlin, declaring that Hamlin deserves NASCAR Cup championship recognition, especially as he continues to compete at a high level late in his career. Earnhardt’s comments came during the latest Dale Jr. Download podcast, where he explained why he believes Hamlin’s consistent performance and adaptability set him apart in the current racing landscape.
Hamlin’s Longevity and Adaptability Highlighted by Earnhardt
Reflecting on Hamlin’s ongoing career, Earnhardt compared his situation to other legendary drivers like Harry Gant and Bobby Allison, who managed to win races well into their 40s. Earnhardt emphasized that achieving sustained success in NASCAR at an older age requires immense mental sharpness and the ability to adjust to new challenges—including changing cars, crew chiefs, and evolving racing packages.
He’s at that age, at 44 years old, to where anybody with some sense would look at him and go, ‘Alright, when are we going to start to see it, right? When are we going to start to see Father Time catching up with him?’
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Despite the typical decline that can come with age, Earnhardt was quick to point out Hamlin’s continued growth and success on the track. According to Earnhardt, Hamlin is defying expectations and getting even better rather than slowing down, describing him as “an anomaly.” This remarkable ability to outperform competitors despite advancing age, Earnhardt argues, makes Hamlin especially deserving of his first Cup title.
Sustained Performance Amid NASCAR’s Changing Landscape
Throughout his 21 years in the NASCAR Cup Series, Hamlin has managed to thrive regardless of numerous changes around him, including different crew chiefs and adaptations to new generations of cars. Earnhardt lauded Hamlin’s ability to consistently perform, stating that few drivers have been able to keep up with the demands of the latest NASCAR machinery as effectively as Hamlin has. This adaptability and resilience underscore why Earnhardt feels so passionate about Hamlin’s pursuit of a championship.
I think it’s so impressive and he deserves to win a championship,
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt added that for all Hamlin’s accomplishments—his collection of wins and trophies and his decades-long commitment to excellence—there is still something missing from his storied career: the NASACR Cup trophy itself. Earnhardt believes that Hamlin should finally experience the satisfaction of securing a championship title, a sentiment fueled by Hamlin’s perseverance and mounting achievements as he approaches his 45th birthday.
He deserves to know what that feels like. All the things that he’s had, all the wins, all the trophies in the house, all the things that he has in his memory of his career, he deserves to have a trophy.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Standing Out at Joe Gibbs Racing
Earnhardt pointed out Hamlin’s long-standing role at Joe Gibbs Racing, noting his remarkable tenure while other high-profile drivers have come and gone over the years. Earnhardt credited Hamlin as the “one constant” within the organization, surviving sweeping changes that saw even champions like Bobby Labonte and Kyle Busch eventually move on after periods of success.
When I look at Joe Gibbs Racing, there’s one constant,
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt remarked about the revolving door nature of many roles at Joe Gibbs Racing, emphasizing just how rare and significant Hamlin’s continued presence is. He recalled that even after winning championships, drivers such as Labonte were eventually asked to leave. In contrast, Hamlin’s steady place on the team further highlights his importance to the organization and strengthens Earnhardt’s view that Hamlin’s dedication should be rewarded with a championship victory.
I’m not talking about just Kyle Busch. Bobby Labonte won a championship with (JGR) and then just a few years later, they wanted him to move on. But one thing’s that’s been a constant is Denny Hamlin.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Elusive Title and What It Would Mean
Despite more than 20 years of intense competition, Hamlin’s career still lacks the ultimate triumph—adding a Cup championship to his long list of accomplishments. Earnhardt expressed some anxiety about the possibility that Hamlin could retire with a resume full of victories but without the sport’s most coveted prize, likening the scenario to other legendary drivers such as Mark Martin and even referencing himself as someone who came close but never secured a championship.
Man, would he be a unicorn if he were to have all of this and end it all without that title?
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
By far, there’s no real comparison. Maybe Mark Martin.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
With Hamlin now closing in on his 45th birthday and currently enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, Earnhardt’s call for recognition finds solid ground. As the season progresses and Hamlin continues his steadfast pursuit of the NASCAR Cup, the question remains if this will finally be the year that Denny Hamlin secures the Championship that many, including Earnhardt, believe he fully deserves. The outcome could significantly shape Hamlin’s legacy and offer a fitting reward for his decades of contribution to the sport and to Joe Gibbs Racing.
