Denny Hamlin approaches this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Championship Race with a sense of calm and focus, aiming to secure his first title in his ongoing Denny Hamlin championship pursuit. At 44, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran stands on the brink of another career-defining opportunity, as the event unfolds at Phoenix Raceway.
Hamlin’s Achievements and Recent Success
Throughout his celebrated career, Hamlin has solidified his reputation by accumulating 60 victories, including a memorable win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway just three weeks ago. That milestone not only added to his total but ensured his place as one of this weekend’s four contenders. Ranking 10th on NASCAR’s all-time wins list and boasting three Daytona 500 championships, Hamlin now seeks the Cup series title that has long remained elusive.
Preparation and Perspective Heading into the Race
This season, Hamlin enters the Phoenix finale as the top race winner in the championship field, with twice as many victories as his rivals. It is his fifth appearance in the final race under the current playoff system and his first since 2021. Speaking about his approach this year and the differences compared to previous attempts, Hamlin expressed a distinct sense of readiness and composure.
“It feels a little bit different,”
said Denny Hamlin, driver, Joe Gibbs Racing.
“Less rushed, I guess you could say, and simply because we did so much of our (preparation) for Phoenix before this week, so less rushed is the biggest difference I feel over previous (Championship Four bids).”
– Denny Hamlin, driver
Mentality and Pressure as a Veteran Contender
Hamlin recognizes that, among the contenders, he is the oldest driver eligible for the championship, which adds a unique form of pressure. On the mental challenges and his outlook, he noted his optimistic mindset.
“I definitely feel optimistic about it,”
said Denny Hamlin, driver.
“Just generally in a good headspace.”
– Denny Hamlin, driver
Facing Uncertainty and Urgency for Victory
Reflecting on the future, Hamlin acknowledges the possibility that this could be his last best opportunity under the current playoff format. As the sport continues to evolve with potential format changes, he has learned the value of capitalizing on the present moment.
“Is this my last opportunity or not?”
asked Denny Hamlin, driver.
“Any format change coming that will be a bigger sample size should be better for me in general, but you just never know. You have to seize the moment that’s right there in front of you.”
– Denny Hamlin, driver
The weight of experience is evident as Hamlin notes the dynamic among drivers, especially compared to others earlier in their careers.
“So, I would certainly confirm the pressure is probably most on me because these guys know they’ve still got a long way to go (in their careers).”
– Denny Hamlin, driver
What This Race Means for Hamlin and the Sport
As Hamlin lines up at Phoenix, his legacy as a decorated driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, his competition against fellow contenders Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe, and his extensive list of wins and accomplishments set the stage for a potential crowning achievement. With the Denny Hamlin championship pursuit taking on added urgency, the outcome of this year’s NASCAR finale could serve as both a career milestone for Hamlin and a significant moment for the sport’s evolving playoff landscape.
