Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR championship pursuit is reaching a critical moment as he heads into another Cup Series finale at Phoenix Raceway, where both his career legacy and deeply personal stakes are on the line. As Hamlin battles to secure his first elusive championship, his crew and key rivals recognize the significance of what the outcome could mean for the sport and their own aspirations.
The Challenge and Motivation for Hamlin’s Team
Chris Gayle, who serves as Denny Hamlin’s crew chief, recently shed light on his perspective regarding the pursuit of NASCAR’s top honor. Gayle emphasized that claiming a championship would always be rewarding regardless of who drives the car, yet he noted the extra weight it would carry if achieved with Hamlin, acknowledging the veteran driver’s resilience and prolonged effort in the sport. Despite nearly two decades of full-time Cup competition, Hamlin continues chasing a title that has eluded him, even as he climbs to tenth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list and remains this season’s leading winner. Now at 44 years old, Hamlin finds himself again among the final title contenders with the most appearances at this stage.
Phoenix Raceway, however, has presented mixed fortunes for the Virginia native. Though he has not won at the track since 2019, he made a strong showing during the spring race this year. Mechanical problems have repeatedly undermined promising performances, particularly at similarly designed, flat tracks such as New Hampshire, Iowa, and Richmond. When asked about his hopes for Hamlin this championship weekend, Gayle responded:
“This situation is, there are four really good cars, really good teams, really good crew chiefs, I just want to win the race right? I want to be the champion but it’s not neccessarily something for me to come and get it for Denny kinda thing. Whoever was driving that would be my goal here so, would it be extra sweet with Denny because I know what he’s gone through…yes,” he said via NASCAR’s official website.
Personal Stakes and Emotional Undercurrents
Hamlin has opened up about the personal importance of this year’s championship run, revealing that this may be his ailing father’s final opportunity to witness him attempt to clinch a title. The gravity of this moment was evident as Hamlin, known for his fiercely competitive demeanor, was visibly emotional after qualifying for the final four at Las Vegas, even shedding tears during a post-race interview as he publicly expressed his earnest desire to win the championship for his family.
The Championship Finale Amid Off-Track Tensions
Complicating this year’s pursuit is a looming legal dispute between Denny Hamlin’s co-owned organization, 23XI Racing, and NASCAR itself, with an antitrust lawsuit heading to trial on December 1. Despite this friction, Hamlin has retained a professional stance when discussing the potential of receiving the championship trophy from NASCAR’s leaders, Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell. Speaking candidly at a Phoenix Raceway press conference, Hamlin reflected on his relationships amid ongoing legal proceedings:
“I mean, I’ve seen those guys as much as I’ve ever seen them over the last few weeks. It’s just that I’ve had a different suit on, and they have been in their normal suits. So I don’t think so. Respect for all those guys, obviously. It’s a totally different issue than what we’re fighting on,” Denny Hamlin replied.
The Competition and What Awaits in Phoenix
Denny Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota, will compete against teammate Chase Briscoe—a contender who has carried the underdog label throughout the season. Hendrick Motorsports will be represented by Kyle Larson, who is seeking to add to his growing list of championships, and William Byron, eager to make his own mark in NASCAR’s history books. All four drivers will contest the title on Sunday, November 2, at 3 PM ET at Phoenix Raceway. Following the race, the official championship outcome will be confirmed after extensive post-race technical inspections estimated to last three to four hours.
This NASCAR finale not only marks a high-stakes conclusion for the drivers and their organizations, but also holds deep personal significance, particularly for Hamlin. As the season comes down to a single pivotal event in Phoenix, the Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship pursuit stands as a defining moment that could reshape both an individual career and the championship’s history. The result may influence future team dynamics, legal relations within the sport, and inspire both seasoned competitors and emerging stars alike.
