Denny Hamlin NASCAR Cup wins reached a significant milestone Sunday as Hamlin captured his 60th career victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, tying Kevin Harvick for 10th place on NASCAR’s all-time Cup Series wins list. Hamlin’s emotions were evident after the victory, which places him alongside legends such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon.
Hamlin’s Emotional Milestone at Las Vegas
After crossing the finish line at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hamlin could be seen wiping away tears, overwhelmed by the significance of his 60th win. The achievement was clearly personal, considering his father’s declining health and the mounting pressures of his long career. Speaking with Marty Snider of NBC Sports in the post-race moments, Hamlin expressed the depth of his feelings, nearly breaking down as he reflected on his career and the challenges he has faced.
Tying with Kevin Harvick for 10th on the Cup Series all-time wins list brings Hamlin into rare company, counting him among drivers like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon. Being on a list filled with Hall-of-Famers is a testament to both Hamlin’s longevity and sustained excellence over the years.
Hamlin’s Perspective on His NASCAR Legacy
Hamlin’s recent success has accelerated, with win monuments accruing more rapidly in the last nine years. On Monday’s Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin looked back on the remarkable run his team has been on since 2016 and how quickly the victories have added up.
“On NASCAR’s social post, and it was like win No. 1, the ticker went to like win No. 27, like the 2016 Daytona 500 was win No. 27? How have we won so many races in the last nine years? Like, that’s a lot. We’re now at 60 and 2016 Daytona 500 was No. 27. I mean, we’ve gotten hot lately, and they rack up quickly,”
Hamlin said on Monday’s Actions Detrimental podcast.
“It’s crazy because as a driver and we expect to win so much, you feel like if we go four or five weeks without winning, it feels like a frickin’ eternity. But it’s hard to win, and if you can average three-and-a-half, four wins a year, they just tally up really quickly.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
Even in the face of impressive statistics, Hamlin acknowledged that he sometimes struggles to view his place among NASCAR’s greatest without reservation. Sharing his thoughts on that aspect, Hamlin remarked:
“For me, personally, what does it mean? I still feel like when I look at the names of the list that I’m now a part of, the top 10, I feel like my name does stick out as not one of the greats of the sport. I see the names, and these are the legends of the sport. These are the people who grew the sport, the best of the best. Lots of them are guys I raced against in my era, so I knew how good they were. It’s just very gratifying that I was able to still race at a high level this long into my career. Like, year 20 is just as strong as year one or year five when you’re kind of at your peak. That’s what’s gratifying is just how long we’ve been able to be successful at it.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
Looking at the Greatest Names in NASCAR Cup History
Reaching 60 Cup Series wins means Hamlin is not just competing with his current peers but standing beside NASCAR’s historical icons. Names such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon dominate the Cup Series legacy, representing different eras and styles but sharing excellence. Hamlin’s tie with Kevin Harvick for 10th plays a part in reshaping the narrative about the most successful modern-era drivers and adds his name to a select fraternity.
The achievement is even more notable considering the caliber of competition and the evolution of the sport, which has made winning consistently more challenging. Hamlin’s career has spanned more than two decades, placing him in direct competition with multiple generations of top-tier talent, and solidifying his reputation for resilience and competitive fire.
Continuing to Chase an Elusive Cup Series Title
Despite all his success, Hamlin is still seeking a NASCAR championship for his résumé. His victory at Las Vegas secured his spot to compete for the championship at Phoenix Raceway next month, giving him another opportunity to add the missing crown jewel to his career. With 44 years behind him, Hamlin is well aware that his years at NASCAR’s highest level are limited. However, his recent performances show little sign of decline, and he feels as determined as ever.
“I say all the time, the light switch is gonna go off eventually. You just never know when it’s your last one and maybe this is the last one. We just never know,”
Hamlin said.
“But man, I don’t feel it. After those last 10 laps, my confidence is really, really high that it ain’t going away any time soon.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
His continued drive and veteran presence make him a contender every weekend, and his mindset signals a readiness to seize any remaining opportunities at the highest level.
The Enduring Impact of Hamlin’s Career
Denny Hamlin’s achievement brings him into conversations about the sport’s all-time greats and serves as inspiration for current and future drivers. His perseverance, consistent performance, and emotional candor resonate with fans and competitors alike. While a Cup Series championship would solidify his status even further, Hamlin’s 60 career wins already make him one of NASCAR’s most accomplished drivers, and his pursuit of further success continues to energize the sport as another championship showdown approaches.
