Denny Hamlin NASCAR star power was on full display as the 44-year-old clinched his 60th career win with an emotional victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, cementing his position as a leading force in the sport. Hamlin’s heartfelt dedication to his father and his ability to consistently command the crowd’s attention have positioned him at the epicenter of NASCAR’s ongoing story, as recognized by veteran voices in the field.
During the recent Round of 8 race at Las Vegas, Denny Hamlin demonstrated both resilience and tactical intelligence. Despite an uncharacteristically slow pit stop on Lap 218, which allowed competitors Kyle Larson and William Byron to leave pit road ahead of him, Hamlin and his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota responded with urgency. Over the next 38 laps, Hamlin surged through the field, overtaking key rivals Tyler Reddick, Alex Bowman, and even defending champion Joey Logano, before challenging his former friend and current rival, Kyle Larson, near the end of the race.
With less than five laps left, Hamlin managed to pass the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy, setting up a late battle as teammate Chase Briscoe made a strong advance. However, Hamlin’s fresh tires and tenacity proved decisive as he cleared the No. 19 Toyota with only four laps to go, solidifying a remarkable comeback and avenging a frustrating showing at Kansas earlier in the playoffs.
Letarte Champions Hamlin’s Unique Impact on NASCAR
Following the dramatic finish, seasoned NASCAR analyst and former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Steve Letarte offered a powerful endorsement of Hamlin’s influence and appeal within the sport.
In my mind, we talk a lot about stars and star power in this sport. He might not win the most popular driver vote, but there’s zero doubt in my mind who the biggest star in the NASCAR garage currently is, and it’s not even close.
— Steve Letarte, Analyst/Former Crew Chief
Letarte went further, pointing to the multi-faceted nature of Hamlin’s celebrity identity, which encompasses not only his partnership as a team owner with Michael Jordan and his popular podcast, but more importantly, his achievements behind the wheel. Letarte stressed that true stardom in NASCAR requires excellence on the racetrack itself, describing Hamlin as a driver who fully embodies that ideal. He declared,
You can say it’s because he owns a team with Michael Jordan, or because he has his podcast, but is the exclamation point for stardom is that you are the best at what you should be the best at — and that’s him as a race car driver.
— Steve Letarte, Analyst/Former Crew Chief
It’s hard to be a star if you’re just okay. In my mind, he has the “it
factor for the garage, right? I’m okay that fans don’t like him, I’m okay that fans like him,
Letarte acknowledged that Hamlin’s influence goes beyond his driving, referencing Jeff Burton’s comments about Hamlin’s polarizing presence, which pulls emotional reactions from fans across the spectrum. Letarte emphasized that this combination of skill and magnetism is vital, saying,
Polarizing, you said, Jeff (Burton), I think that’s a great word and I think that he gets an emotional reaction from everyone in opposite directions for some, but from everyone. That’s what any sport needs. That’s what NASCAR needs. I’m glad somebody is doing it on and off the racetrack. Everywhere you turn, it’s Denny Hamlin.
— Steve Letarte, Analyst/Former Crew Chief
What Hamlin’s Ascendance Means for NASCAR’s Future
Hamlin’s ability to draw fire and inspire loyalty, whether through post-race interviews or his driving heroics, continues to make him a lightning rod for discussion and debate among NASCAR fans and insiders. With a playoff berth secured as the first of eight title contenders to clinch a spot in the Championship 4, Hamlin stands poised to further define his career in the coming races, fueled by both his competitive edge and his undeniable presence in the garage and beyond.
As the sport seeks personalities who command national attention, Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR star power—now validated by another legendary voice—illustrates why he remains central to both rivalry and resurgence within the community. The ongoing debate over Hamlin’s celebrity, talent, and influence sets the stage for an electrifying playoff season and underscores his status as one of the defining figures of modern NASCAR.
