As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Phoenix Raceway for the championship race, the spotlight intensifies on Denny Hamlin and his enduring pursuit of a first series title. Denny Hamlin championship hopes have been a recurring topic for NASCAR fans and insiders, with this weekend shaping up as a pivotal career moment for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
Tension Builds Ahead of the Championship Race
The NASCAR community is abuzz as Hamlin prepares for Sunday’s race, where a victory could finally end the so-called “championship curse” that has followed him. If Hamlin falls short, it would be a devastating blow, potentially signaling the end of frequent opportunities to reach the final four and leaving him with few remaining chances as he nears retirement age at 44.
Steve Letarte, a respected voice in NASCAR, expressed his hopes for Hamlin’s fate at Phoenix. Letarte underscored the emotional weight Hamlin faces, hinting at both the possibility of triumph and the sting of another near-miss after more than twenty years of effort.
Letarte’s Wish for a Fair Shot
On “NASCAR: Inside the Race,” Letarte voiced a unique perspective on how Hamlin should go out, should he fall short in Phoenix. He stated,
“If he’s unable to do it, I hope he is unable to do it on his own accord,”
— Steve Letarte, NASCAR Analyst. Letarte emphasized that Hamlin deserves the opportunity to perform at his best, without external setbacks from faulty equipment or pit crew mistakes.
Further outlining his point, Letarte referenced past races where mechanical issues and errors have derailed contenders’ runs:
“If he’s unable to do it, I hope he is unable to do it on his own accord. I hope it’s not a pit stop or a mechanical gremlin. We saw a throttle at Talladega, a broken engine today.”
— Steve Letarte, NASCAR Analyst. Letarte’s remarks reflect the collective sentiment that Hamlin’s fortune should rest on his performance, not misfortune.
Desire to See Talent Decided on Track
Letarte further articulated his hope for a proper showdown at the finale:
“Like, all I want Danny Hamlin to be delivered is to be on the front row or the front two rows of the final restart with a car that should or could be able to win the championship. I just want to see him and his talents on display.”
— Steve Letarte, NASCAR Analyst. For Letarte and many fans, nothing would be more disappointing than Hamlin losing due to circumstances like a blown tire, botched pit stop, or a mechanical issue, after a career of tireless effort.
The prevailing view is that even Hamlin’s critics recognize his substantial contribution to racing and want to see the championship decided by driver skill rather than mishaps.
Comparisons and Final Chances
Letarte also extended this sentiment to two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, whose recent difficulties have overshadowed his earlier achievements. Letarte stated he hopes Busch experiences a defining moment reminiscent of Jeff Gordon’s memorable win at Martinsville, so that Busch too can relive his past glory and remind the world of his skill.
For Hamlin, however, the focus is squarely on this season. Letarte highlighted Hamlin’s current peak performance, urging for him to at least have the opportunity to compete for the title on his own terms.
Looking Ahead to Phoenix
As Hamlin lines up at Phoenix Raceway, his legacy and Denny Hamlin championship hopes hang in the balance. At age 44, time is running short, and this race could be among his final, best opportunities to secure a long-sought Cup Series championship. The NASCAR community—veterans, fans, and even rivals—will be watching closely, hoping the outcome is determined by what Hamlin does on track, not external fate or mechanical error.
