Denny Hamlin NASCAR star status has been firmly declared by veteran crew chief and analyst Steve Letarte, following Hamlin’s recent win at Las Vegas. Hamlin’s record-setting season and dominance, according to Letarte, leave no question as to who stands tallest in the sport right now.
Strong Performances Set Hamlin Apart This Season
After capturing his sixth victory of the season in Las Vegas, Hamlin’s presence at the top of NASCAR Cup is unmistakable. Despite not receiving the Most Popular Driver Award, Letarte believes Hamlin’s influence and achievements outweigh popularity polls, emphasizing that stardom is not tied solely to popularity.
“We talk a lot about stars and star power in this,”
Steve Letarte, NASCAR Inside the Race, said after Sunday’s race. Letarte placed Hamlin’s NASCAR star quality above all others, stating the gap between Hamlin and the rest is significant.
Beyond Race Wins: Team Ownership and Charisma
Letarte pointed out that Hamlin’s stardom is amplified by factors extending beyond his results on the track. Not only is Hamlin leading as a driver, but he also co-owns 23XI Racing alongside basketball icon Michael Jordan. His podcast, presence, and confidence add layers to his image within the sport.
“It’s what makes stardom. And what I mean by that is you can say it’s because he owns a team with Michael Jordan (23XI Racing). You can say it’s because he has his podcast, but what is the exclamation point for stardom is that you are the best at what you should be the best at, and that is him as a race car driver.”
— Steve Letarte, NASCAR broadcaster
“It’s hard to be a star if you’re just okay. So in my mind, like he has the ‘it’ factor for the garage for me, right? He flies around in jets, he’s not afraid to say flies around in jets. He wears a jump man (Jordan’s Nike logo) on his firesuit and he owns a race team with the guy.”
— Steve Letarte, NASCAR broadcaster
Pursuit of a Coveted Championship Continues
This year marks Hamlin’s 21st season competing at NASCAR’s highest level, where he has amassed 60 race victories and claimed the prestigious Daytona 500 three times. Though he has captured nearly every major event, Hamlin is still striving for his first Cup championship, a goal he remains determined to achieve this season given his momentum.
The Impact of a Polarizing Figure
Letarte described Hamlin as a divisive yet essential force within NASCAR, adding energy and emotion to the sport. Whether fans like him or not, Letarte acknowledged that Hamlin consistently commands attention both on and off the track, and his ability to spark discussion is a valuable asset to NASCAR’s appeal.
“‘I’m okay that fans don’t like him,”
Steve Letarte, NASCAR broadcaster, said.
“(Hamlin is) polarizing, I think that’s a great word, right? 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. And I’m glad somebody is doing it on and off the racetrack. Man, everywhere you turn, it’s Denny Hamlin.”
— Steve Letarte, NASCAR broadcaster
Looking Ahead: Hamlin’s Star Burns Bright
As Hamlin continues his standout season, his relentless pursuit of a Cup title and his visible role as both driver and team owner ensure his position at NASCAR’s forefront. With the racing world watching, the narrative of Denny Hamlin NASCAR star is likely to drive conversation and competition throughout the rest of the season.
