Denny Hamlin is making an emotional push in his Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship pursuit this season, driven by the hope of capturing his first title while his ailing father Dennis can still witness the victory. As Hamlin prepares for what could be his last opportunity to become champion, the spotlight focuses on both his career achievements and the powerful family story motivating his race at Phoenix Raceway.
Driven by Family and Legacy
For Hamlin, racing has always been a family pursuit that began when he was just five years old. Dennis Hamlin, his father, worked tirelessly and made significant financial sacrifices to support his son’s racing ambitions, often putting the family’s financial security at risk. Now at age 44, Denny Hamlin reflected on the importance of that support after achieving his 60th career victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, acknowledging the crucial role his parents played in paving his path to NASCAR’s elite level.
That Las Vegas win also locked in Hamlin’s fifth appearance in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. He will compete against Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe and Hendrick Motorsports drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron. In the most recent round, Briscoe and Byron each secured a win in the Round of 8, while Larson advanced to the final four based on accumulated points. Hamlin, with six victories this year—the most in the field—enters Phoenix as the winningest driver in 2023 and has consistently finished near the top, including a second-place result earlier in the season at Phoenix.
Hamlin’s focus for this race is clear: he wants to secure the championship for his father, Dennis. As he told The Associated Press:
“I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment.”
This sense of urgency adds gravity to an already high-stakes championship race, making Hamlin’s quest deeply personal for both himself and his family.
Support Among Rivals: Kyle Larson Recognizes Hamlin’s Challenge
One of Hamlin’s chief competitors, Kyle Larson, acknowledges the unique weight Hamlin carries into this race at Phoenix. Larson, age 33 and the only driver in the current final four with a previous championship, has expressed respect and empathy for Hamlin’s situation. Speaking about his fellow contender, Larson told AP News:
“He’s a deserving champion and nearing the end of his career, so if I couldn’t win, I’d love to see him because you’d think he’d have one on his resume. He deserves it.”
Larson also specifically referenced Hamlin’s motivation, brought on by his father’s declining health, stating:
“I could see how (his dad) absolutely gives extra motivation, and I think sympathy goes a long way. It’s not going to stop me from wanting to beat him, but there’s a lot of reasons a Denny Hamlin championship would feel good.”
Larson’s own journey saw him earn a championship in 2021, his first season driving the #5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. However, since NASCAR debuted the Next Gen car in 2022, Team Penske demonstrated dominance, with drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney capturing three consecutive titles. Both Logano and Blaney, however, exited championship contention after the Round of 8, leaving the field open for a new titleholder.
Championship Showdown Set for Phoenix
The battle for the NASCAR Cup Series championship unfolds at Phoenix Raceway, with Hamlin facing off against Chase Briscoe, William Byron, and Kyle Larson. The event is scheduled for November 2 at 3:00 p.m. ET at the 1.0-mile Arizona track. Each contender brings unique strengths and histories: Hamlin’s consistent performance, Byron and Briscoe’s recent victories, and Larson’s prior success.
This championship not only marks a potential career milestone for Hamlin but carries deep personal significance as he seeks to cap years of family sacrifice with a victory his father can experience first-hand. Meanwhile, the possibility remains for either a new first-time champion or the crowning of a repeat winner, keeping fans and industry insiders invested in the outcome.
The entire NASCAR community is focused on this emotional, high-stakes finale, with Hamlin, his father Dennis, rivals like Larson, and supporters across the industry watching to see who will secure the 2023 Cup Series championship and what it will mean to everyone involved.
