Denny Hamlin championship hopes are once again in the spotlight as he secures a position in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway, after a commanding performance in the closing laps at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With the season narrowing to its dramatic finale, Hamlin stands poised for another shot at his first NASCAR Cup Series title, a story that has gripped fans and defined much of NASCAR discourse for the better part of two decades.
Hamlin’s ability to clinch a title this year remains uncertain, hinging on factors like whether rivals Joey Logano or Ryan Blaney can outlast the playoff round and the well-documented strength of the Penske Fords at Phoenix. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of renewed hope for the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran, especially since early qualification gives him more preparation time before the final race of the year, potentially tipping the odds in his favor.
The significance of winning the first race in the final round cannot be overlooked—five of the last nine champions accomplished this feat—and it’s especially notable that this is Hamlin’s first time reaching the Championship 4 in the Next Gen Era. His run to this point has reignited debate about whether Hamlin, despite an impressive career, can finally shake off his reputation for falling short in critical moments.
Scrutinizing Hamlin’s Championship Bids Over the Years
Hamlin’s doubters have often labeled him a choker, suggesting he falters under pressure in the most crucial races. They highlight his six previous opportunities racing for the championship where he was unable to secure the title, and question his composure when stakes are highest. However, these critics often ignore Hamlin’s remarkable body of work: he is among the top 10 all-time for Cup Series wins (60), ranks 11th in pole positions (47), and holds the same spot for laps led (16,099), alongside an incredible streak of at least one win in 19 out of 20 full-time seasons. His accomplishments have already earned him surefire Hall of Fame consideration.
Examining each of his prior title chances reveals both misfortunes and missed opportunities rather than consistent collapses. In 2006, thrust into contention as a rookie, Hamlin needed a near-miracle to take the crown. By 2014, he reached the final four in a season where few considered him among the top competitors. The 2019 campaign was upended by a piece of tape causing his car to overheat, putting him a lap down through no clear fault of his own—a setback that likely derailed a potential championship. The 2020 and 2021 finales saw Hamlin unable to match the outright speed of his rivals, while 2010, when he won eight races, is widely viewed as the greatest opportunity lost due to a costly late pit stop at Phoenix and an uncharacteristic off-day at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Hamlin’s Mindset and Preparation Heading Into Phoenix
In the aftermath of his latest victory and spot in the Championship 4, Hamlin was candid during the post-race press conference when asked by Bob Pockrass if the extra preparation time would create anxiety, suggesting a more philosophical and grounded outlook this year.
“Yeah, I mean, truthfully I don’t get nervous anymore, but I will at some point. […] Is this my last chance to do it?”
– Denny Hamlin, driver
“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. I just know I’m going to do it, do the work, and I hope it works out. If it doesn’t, I’m going to be okay with it. I’ve had a season that far exceeded what I thought it would. Yeah, I mean, it’ll set in, I’ll certainly get nervous over the next few weeks about it. But I’m going to be nervous about the things that I control, not the other things.”
– Denny Hamlin, driver
This season, Hamlin has demonstrated a change in demeanor, appearing more at ease with his role in the sport and more resilient to setbacks. His approach has contrasted with previous years, allowing him to bounce back from adversity without letting it derail his campaign. Starting 2023 with minimal sponsorship and a new crew chief, expectations were tempered, but the season’s trajectory shifted as sponsors like Progressive committed to his team, and his partnership with crew chief Chris Gayle began to flourish.
Teamwork and Determination Behind Hamlin’s Title Run
Chris Gayle, Hamlin’s crew chief, has played a pivotal role in his pursuit of the championship, emphasizing a methodical and unfazed approach during the pressure-packed playoff stretch.
“We’re going to do everything we can, leave it there in Phoenix,”
– Chris Gayle, crew chief
“He never once said ‘championship’. Obviously, you elevate your mind and what you think you can accomplish as you go further along into the year. We’ve had such a good year, we feel like we should be a frontrunner for the championship.”
– Chris Gayle, crew chief
Gayle’s comments reflect a steady focus on preparation and performance, rather than allowing previous near-misses to influence the team’s mindset. The results—bolstered by Hamlin’s unwavering drive and Gayle’s consistency—have placed them firmly among the favorites heading into Phoenix, even as the unpredictability of motorsports looms.
The Weight of History and What Awaits
For all his efforts, Hamlin’s path to a title has been littered with unexpected setbacks, as he acknowledged in his own words.
“There’s been weird and crazy things that have kept me from winning a title or advancing to have a chance to. I’ve said many times, if you get enough chances, like eventually just the tides will turn. It’s like, ‘did they start turning today?’ Maybe.”
– Denny Hamlin, driver
As Hamlin and the Joe Gibbs Racing team ready themselves for what could be a defining race at Phoenix, the NASCAR world remains fixated on whether his championship ambitions will finally be realized or if fate will again intervene. Regardless of the outcome, Hamlin’s place among the sport’s modern greats, his resilience, and the partnership with Chris Gayle have already left a lasting mark on the series.
Soon, the answer will be clear—will Denny Hamlin championship hopes culminate in the title that has eluded him or will a new chapter of heartbreak be added to his remarkable journey? As rivals like Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano compete for the same honor and key figures like Progressive rally behind him, all eyes turn to Phoenix Raceway to see if this is indeed Hamlin’s year.
