Denny Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most consistent drivers, heads into Sunday’s Phoenix Raceway Championship 4 after securing his spot earlier than usual, giving him a rare and valuable advantage in Denny Hamlin championship preparation. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver clinched his 60th Cup win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway three weeks ago, achieving automatic eligibility for the season finale and allowing him time to prepare methodically for the biggest race of his career.
“Five out of nine,” Hamlin noted when asked about the trend of the Round of 8 opener’s winner often going on to win the championship, reflecting on his own chance to make it six out of ten this weekend. Hamlin’s previously elusive early advancement has made this, his fifth appearance in the Championship 4, different from his past playoff campaigns.
Extra Preparation Lowers Pressure, Refines Team’s Approach
With the luxury of locked-in status, Hamlin entered Championship 4 Media Day exuding a calm confidence, while fellow title hopefuls like Chase Briscoe, William Byron, and Kyle Larson faced the usual playoff intensity.
“It has, simply from a preparation standpoint,”
Hamlin explained.
“Obviously, when you prepare for a test, this is a big test coming up on Sunday, you either have a lot of time to prepare for the test or you have to cram at the last minute, and this is the first time that I’ve had significant amount of time to prepare for the test. So certainly it’s a little different this time around, which I think that’s probably why you’ve seen those kind of results.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
The extended timeline allowed the No. 11 crew to focus on refining every aspect of their race weekend – from technical setup and pit road precision to race-day strategy. Yet, Hamlin acknowledged that the championship’s single-race format places all contenders under intense scrutiny, with every choice and mistake magnified under the spotlight at Phoenix Raceway.
Joe Gibbs Racing Emphasizes Detail and Accountability
The culture at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has been characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a constant drive for excellence. With leaders such as crew chief Chris Gayle and competition director Chris Gabehart, the team system stresses communication and collective awareness of the importance of Sunday’s 312-lap pursuit for the Cup.
“I mean, that responsibility is primarily in the leader’s hands, whether it be (crew chief) Chris Gayle or it’s (competition director) Chris Gabehart in the general sense of how they want to relay that message to the team, but everyone understands the moment, right?”
Hamlin said.
“Bad luck or unfortunate things or self-imposed bad luck does happen in big games sometimes, and I’ve experienced it firsthand. But I know everyone’s going to put their best foot forward, and I have full faith in my team and hope it all works out. But if it doesn’t, I still would ride with this team over anyone.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
As the team finalizes race plans, responsibility for execution lies with every member — from top-level leadership down to each crew individual on Joe Gibbs Racing. The aim is to leave nothing to chance as they navigate pit road and tackle strategic calls during the high-pressure moments of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs finale.
Previous Trials Amplify the Stakes in Pursuit of Elusive Title
Sunday marks Hamlin’s return to the championship race for the first time since 2021, where he finished third behind champion Kyle Larson. Over a career packed with near-misses in multiple playoff formats and a legacy of regular-season success, Hamlin’s Hall of Fame résumé is filled with both triumphs and heartbreaks.
The question lingers: will past disappointments make potential victory all the sweeter?
“Oh, a lot more. I mean, it is true,”
Hamlin reflected.
“It’s cliche, but it’s definitely true that the losses make you appreciate the wins more, and over the 700-and-some starts that I’ve had in this series, I’ve certainly lost a ton more than what I’ve won. And I’ve had opportunities to win championships and it’s not happened. That’s been a failed mission, and so it’s certainly if and when it does happen, it absolutely will be more gratifying.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
What’s at Stake: Legacy, Teamwork, and NASCAR Glory
As Hamlin prepares to compete alongside premier title contenders including William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Briscoe, the stakes at Phoenix extend far beyond a single race win. The combination of Denny Hamlin championship preparation, a deep well of experience, and lessons learned from past setbacks could mark a turning point in a storied career.
Should Hamlin triumph, the achievement would cap a season of perseverance for Joe Gibbs Racing, highlighting their relentless pursuit of competitive edge and the ability to deliver under pressure on NASCAR’s biggest stage. The entire NASCAR Cup Series community will be watching to see if Hamlin’s unique path to the season finale can deliver the long-awaited championship he and his team crave.
