The Denny Hamlin NASCAR popularity surge has sent shockwaves through fans as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series’ Most Popular Driver voting approaches its final deadline on November 3. Despite being a frequent target for boos at the track, Hamlin has unexpectedly climbed into the top five contenders for the prestigious fan-voted award.
Unexpected Names Lead Most Popular Driver Race
This year’s Most Popular Driver contest is coming to a close with Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson emerging as the leading vote recipients in alphabetical order. Hamlin’s inclusion among these names has sparked widespread surprise, given his reputation for being polarizing among NASCAR’s fan base.
Historically, Hamlin has faced a mixed reception, with fans often heckling him following his victories on the track. However, the announcement of his top-five status in the vote, supported by the latest figures released by NASCAR on October 29, has stirred discussion on what could be fueling this abrupt rise in popularity.
Hamlin Reacts to His Sudden Climb in Popularity
On Thursday, during a media session ahead of the season-ending race at Phoenix Raceway, Denny Hamlin addressed his newfound support among fans. When Hamlin learned he had broken into the top five of the Most Popular Driver contest just weeks after initially entering the top ten, his reaction was laced with both genuine surprise and humor. Having already teased his followers on social media, Hamlin used the opportunity to engage with the fans in his characteristic fashion.
Yall have the chance to do the funniest thing… https://t.co/h5MvOBRGjt pic.twitter.com/K02Zu70BL2
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) October 15, 2025
Still, Hamlin expressed authentic astonishment at his current standing in the polls. During the press conference, he remarked:
I don’t know that I’ve ever been in the top 10,
Hamlin said.
So, that in itself was quite a shock. Yeah, I don’t know what’s changed. I certainly do appreciate it.
When asked about where he believes he may finish in the voting, especially as the competition approaches its conclusion, Hamlin responded candidly:
Probably fifth. But as long as those guys keep voting, you never know,
the winner of 60 Cup Series races, including three Daytona 500s, said with a laugh.
I think the chances are slim. But we’ll see.
Exploring the Factors Behind Hamlin’s Fan Turnaround
The exact reasons behind Hamlin’s swelling popularity remain uncertain, even to the Joe Gibbs Racing driver himself. He speculated that fans’ perspectives evolve over time and are shaped by both positive and negative incidents throughout a driver’s career. Hamlin recalled the 2017 Martinsville incident with Chase Elliott as a turning point:
Yeah, I’m not really sure what it is,
Hamlin said.
He pointed out that dramatic moments on the track, like his victory in Las Vegas three weeks ago, may have helped shift his image among fans. According to Hamlin, the public’s perception often depends on recent events shown on television, which can cause fans to either reject or relate to a driver more strongly.
I think races like Las Vegas (where Hamlin won three weekends ago) could sometimes have the opposite effect. I do think that people can only understand you for what they see on TV. Sometimes you rub ’em the wrong way. And sometimes they connect with you.
Looking back, Hamlin remains convinced that the Martinsville incident significantly hurt his popularity. On the other hand, recent passionate celebrations may have endeared him to more fans, nudging him upward in the ongoing Most Popular Driver voting. He remarked:
I think those were two moments that maybe turned the pendulum,
he said.
I’m not sure. Certainly, it’s super unusual to see my name on the list.
What’s Ahead as Voting Closes and Championship Awaits
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches its finale at Phoenix Raceway, Denny Hamlin continues to compete for fan favor alongside Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson. A potential first championship title for Hamlin could further impact his standing in the court of public opinion, while fans and analysts speculate on the unpredictable relationship between winning and popularity.
Keep those votes coming!
Take a look at the current top five vote-getters in alphabetical order for the 2025 Most Popular Driver Award! pic.twitter.com/RoUwwrbeiD
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 29, 2025
The final tally for the Most Popular Driver Award remains uncertain, and Hamlin’s sudden ascent in the voting highlights the dynamic nature of public sentiment in NASCAR. Whether Hamlin’s recent momentum marks a lasting shift in the fan base’s attitudes or just a fleeting moment of recognition, the closing days of voting and the championship race at Phoenix Raceway promise to keep fans and drivers alike guessing until the results are revealed.
Yall have the chance to do the funniest thing… https://t.co/h5MvOBRGjt pic.twitter.com/K02Zu70BL2
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) October 15, 2025
Keep those votes coming!
Take a look at the current top five vote-getters in alphabetical order for the 2025 Most Popular Driver Award! pic.twitter.com/RoUwwrbeiD
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 29, 2025
