Denny Hamlin NASCAR fan support has taken a surprising turn as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season draws to a close, with Hamlin emerging as an unexpected fan favorite ahead of the championship finale at Phoenix Raceway. Once widely regarded as the sport’s villain, Hamlin now finds himself in the top ranks of fan voting, challenging expectations and reshaping his relationship with the NASCAR audience.
Hamlin’s Shift From Polarizing Figure to Fan Favorite
The 2025 Cup Series season has witnessed a dramatic shift in Denny Hamlin’s rapport with fans. Previously known for thriving off boos and embracing his antihero status, he made headlines after his win at World Wide Technology Raceway by defiantly stating,
“Y’all can boo me. But, you can get on the bandwagon or you can get run over by it.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver. That moment highlighted his combative yet charismatic relationship with NASCAR enthusiasts.
This year, however, the dynamic between Hamlin and the fanbase feels notably different. As the season finale approaches, Hamlin’s once-contentious presence has found unexpected admiration, resulting in his spot on NASCAR’s most popular driver shortlist. This development surprised not only fans and media figures like Jeff Gluck but also Hamlin himself.
Reacting to Rising Popularity in the NASCAR Community
Reflecting on his change in status, Hamlin admitted to Bob Pockrass before the finale,
“I don’t know that I’ve ever been in the top 10. So, that in itself was quite a shock. So, yeah, I don’t know what’s changed, but I certainly do appreciate it.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver. The Most Popular Driver Award, administered by the National Motorsports Press Association since 1949, has historically celebrated drivers who connect deeply with fans – an image frequently contrasted by Hamlin’s self-declared villain persona, especially against fan favorites such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chase Elliott.
Hamlin’s tendency to provoke fans has been part of his identity throughout his career. After clinching a win at Michigan, Hamlin engaged crowds with theatrics by raising his arms in an O-H gesture, paying homage to Ohio State Buckeyes, and further stirring the grandstands. He didn’t hesitate to add,
“Daddy, I’m sorry. But I beat your favorite driver, folks.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver. These moments have defined his reputation as a showman unafraid to incite strong reactions.
Despite these antics, Hamlin never expected to break into the top-five of driver popularity, as evidenced by his candid reactions to recent fan voting results. The development even prompted Pockrass to highlight the surprising nature of Hamlin’s rise, noting how unexpected it was to both the driver and others close to the sport.
Flashpoints That Defined Hamlin’s Complex Fan Relationship
When asked about the possible reasons for his newfound support, Hamlin stated,
“I’m not really sure what it is. I think it’s probably a culmination of all of it. I think that sometimes things are in the moment as well. Like, I think that one of the defining moments in my popularity was Martinsville 2017, right? That was with Chase. That was a negative moment for the popularity. And then I think, you know, races like Vegas could sometimes have the opposite effect.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver.
Hamlin’s career includes several incidents that intensified his rivalry with the NASCAR crowd. During the infamous 2017 First Data 500 at Martinsville, Hamlin collided with Chase Elliott, sparking criticism and cementing his role as one of the sport’s most controversial figures. The public backlash, especially in his home state of Virginia, set the tone for years of mixed responses from fans, even as Hamlin maintained that his actions were part of hard-nosed playoff racing.
Looking back on such moments, Hamlin further explained,
“And so, I do think that, you know, people can only understand you for what they see on TV. And sometimes you rub them the wrong way and sometimes they connect with you. And I think that those were two moments that maybe that, you know, maybe turned the pendulum. I’m not sure, but certainly that was, it’s super unusual to see my name on the list.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver.
Yet victories can change perceptions, as seen during Hamlin’s 60th Cup win in Las Vegas, where the usual heckling gave way to an outpouring of appreciation. Taking the podium, Hamlin addressed the fans directly,
“This is usually the point where I give the fans some shit, but not today. I appreciate all of you so much.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver. These words marked a turning point, revealing a new bond between the No. 11 driver and the fans who once jeered him.
This emotional win capped off a season of highs and lows for Hamlin, who battled both on the track and behind the scenes, including personal concerns such as his father’s declining health and professional hurdles related to the 23XI Racing lawsuit. Despite these challenges, the recognition from fans has rallied Hamlin as he prepares for a long-sought Cup Series championship.
Family Sacrifices Behind Hamlin’s Pursuit of Victory
Central to Denny Hamlin’s story is the legacy and sacrifice of his father, Dennis Hamlin. Years ago, Dennis took significant financial risks, even mortgaging his Virginia home and maxing out credit cards, to support Denny’s racing aspirations. Today, their journey stands as a testament to determination, with Hamlin having achieved 60 career wins and three Daytona 500 victories. The only piece missing is the elusive Cup title.
Approaching Phoenix Raceway for the season’s decisive race, Hamlin is competing not just for himself, but for his ailing father. The importance of the moment is not lost on him; he conveyed to 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.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver. This candid admission underscores the weight of family and personal history propelling Hamlin forward.
With his father, Dennis, too ill to attend, Hamlin’s motivation has shifted from proving doubters wrong to fulfilling a deeply personal dream. Moments after his Las Vegas victory, the impact of his parents’ commitment was still strong, and Hamlin spoke of his eagerness to celebrate this achievement with his father once he returned home to North Carolina.
The Road Ahead: Significance of Fan Support for Hamlin’s Legacy
Denny Hamlin’s dramatic rise in fan support represents a major transformation in the narrative surrounding one of NASCAR’s most complex personalities. These recent expressions of admiration could serve as crucial momentum as the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver contends for his first Cup Series title in front of a national audience.
The 2025 season has tested Hamlin’s resolve, from intense rivalry on the track to emotional challenges off it. As he stands on the threshold of the championship decider, Hamlin’s evolved relationship with NASCAR fans and his dedication to honoring his family’s sacrifices give this moment new depth. Whether or not he finally secures the elusive title, Hamlin’s journey in the world of NASCAR—and the fans’ evolving response to him—continues to be one of the sport’s most compelling stories.
Denny Hamlin is surprised he's in the top-5 in Most Popular Driver voting. His thoughts and his answer to my question when I wondered if he's fifth. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/0zxM2ChHHY
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 30, 2025
