Richard Petty on Denny Hamlin has taken center stage in the NASCAR world after Hamlin secured his milestone 60th race victory in the Cup Series at Las Vegas during the 2025 season, making him a clear contender for his long-awaited championship. Petty, known as “The King” and a seven-time Cup Series champion, praised Hamlin’s consistent performance this year, stating that Hamlin’s results and playoff advantage put him in a prime position to finally clinch the coveted title.
Hamlin’s Historic 60th Win Puts Him in the Spotlight
On Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin reached an elite milestone by winning his 60th race in the NASCAR Cup Series. This season, Hamlin, a veteran with three Daytona 500 victories, has achieved six race wins, marking his entry into the Championship 4 round of the playoffs for the first time during the Next-Gen era. His current form and experience with Joe Gibbs Racing showcase both the strength of his team and his individual drive for success.
This accomplishment underscores Hamlin’s enduring skill and adaptability within the highly competitive NASCAR landscape. Only a select group of drivers who began their Cup careers after 2000—Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, and Kevin Harvick—have managed to reach such a high win total. With Hamlin joining this group, the conversation around his legacy and his case for a first championship title has intensified among fans and industry veterans alike.
Richard Petty’s Perspective: A Golden Opportunity
Richard Petty, legendary driver and figurehead of the Petty Family, recently addressed Hamlin’s achievement and prospects in a video segment on his family’s YouTube channel. Petty expressed enthusiasm for Hamlin, particularly highlighting the advantages he now gains from being firmly positioned in the postseason playoffs. According to Petty, Hamlin’s performance this year has set him apart as a favorite for the title.
“Well, right now he’s got the best chance because he’s automatically in to the top playoff deals. He’s had a pretty dang good year.”
— Richard Petty, NASCAR Hall of Famer
Petty emphasized how challenging it is to win 60 races in the modern era and noted that Hamlin has never been better equipped to seize a championship opportunity. For Petty, both the strength of Hamlin’s No. 11 Camry and the energy within the Joe Gibbs Racing team are integral to this being Hamlin’s most promising shot at winning it all.
“I mean, you win 60 races nowadays, that’s a bunch of races. So, his team and him, the whole situation, this is probably his best chance he’s ever had to have a chance at the championship.”
— Richard Petty, NASCAR Hall of Famer
Voices from the Garage: Dale Inman Weighs In
Petty’s crew chief, Dale Inman, a veteran with eight Cup championships, also joined in the discussion, comparing Hamlin’s tenacity and unique skillset to that of other greats. Inman remarked on how Hamlin stands out every time it matters most, reinforcing the belief among NASCAR insiders that the 23XI Racing co-owner is fully capable of cementing his place among the sport’s champions.
“I guess the only one you could kind of compare Denny to is Denny Hamlin himself. Because when it’s time to stand up, he stands up. And there’s still three that’s capable of doing that, but he does it as good or better than anybody.”
— Dale Inman, Cup Series Crew Chief
Hamlin’s Reflections: Facing What May Be His Last Title Run
Following his triumphant race at Las Vegas, Hamlin was candid in his post-race interview, expressing the emotional significance of this season and acknowledging the stakes. Coming off a contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing that keeps him on the team through 2027, Hamlin admitted this could very well be his last legitimate opportunity to capture the NASCAR Cup Series championship as he nears the final stage of his driving career.
“Is this my last chance to do it? Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I just know I’m going to do the work, and I hope it works out. If it doesn’t, I’m going to be OK with it. I’ve had a season that far exceeded what I thought it would.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Hamlin’s words echo a renewed sense of determination, as he faces a trio of season-ending races where his performance could finally complete his journey from perennial contender to champion. His focus and motivation, fueled by past disappointments, are at an all-time high as he attempts to secure the one accolade that has eluded him since his series debut.
Fans and Experts Watch Closely as Championship Approaches
The larger NASCAR community, from fans to former champions, continues to dissect Hamlin’s route to a potential title. Fan questions, like the one raised by X user @repentium, highlight the widespread anticipation: the racing world is watching closely to see if Hamlin’s dominant season culminates in championship glory. As the schedule narrows to just three remaining races, each event gains heightened significance, with Hamlin’s every move closely scrutinized.
With names such as Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, and Kevin Harvick serving as benchmarks, Hamlin now finds himself one of the few active drivers to surpass the 60-win mark. Veteran observer Richard Petty, crew chief Dale Inman, and Hamlin himself have all publicly acknowledged that 2025 may represent a turning point in Hamlin’s career, potentially defining his legacy among NASCAR’s all-time greats.
The outcome of this Cup Series championship hunt will not only impact Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing, but also alter the historical record of the sport, resonating with fans, fellow drivers, and future competitors.
FAN QUESTION: What do you think about Denny hitting 60 and what are his chances of finally getting
that title?Via X user, @repentium.
Full Race Recap and more answers to fan questions tomorrow at 8am on the Petty Family Racing YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/noFYIqsMhl
— Richard Petty (@therichardpetty) October 13, 2025
