Denny Hamlin experienced another painful setback in his bid for a first NASCAR Cup Series championship on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, as a late caution disrupted his promising run and ultimately cost him the title. The dramatic turn stunned fans and left the Denny Hamlin Cup Series heartbreak fresh and unresolved, with Hamlin reflecting on another missed opportunity in his lengthy career.
Late-Race Caution Undercuts Hamlin’s Lead
Hamlin appeared poised to finally secure the elusive Cup title, leading the field on seven separate occasions for a total of 208 laps. With 27 laps remaining, Hamlin surged ahead of his three main Championship 4 rivals, pulling out to a comfortable lead of more than three seconds over William Byron. However, Byron, representing Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 24 car, suffered a tire issue and crashed into the wall, prompting a caution with just three laps left.
This untimely yellow flag proved disastrous for Hamlin, shifting the race’s balance. During the pit stops that followed, Kyle Larson — who had been behind in the running order — opted for two fresh tires and restarted in fifth place, while Hamlin took on four tires and fell back to 10th. The tire strategy created a gap impossible to close in the NASCAR Overtime finish, relegating Hamlin to sixth at the checkered flag. Meanwhile, Larson managed a crucial leap forward, ultimately finishing in third and capturing his second Cup Series championship.
Hamlin Reacts to Heartbreaking Loss
Speaking to NBC after the race, Hamlin shared his sense of resignation and the effort invested in the championship attempt.
“Prepared as good as I could coming into the weekend. My team gave me a fantastic car. Just didn’t work out. I was just praying that no caution. Had one there. What can you do? Just not meant to be.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Reflecting on the team’s pit strategy, Hamlin further explained,
“We took four tires. I thought that definitely was the right call. Just so many cars took two there. Obviously put us back. Team did a fantastic job. They prepared a championship car. Just didn’t happen.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Season Achievements and Personal Motivations
Hamlin wrapped up the season with a series-best six victories in 35 races, despite missing the Mexico City event in June to celebrate the birth of his third child. His milestone 60th Cup Series win came at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which not only secured a place in the Championship 4 but also allowed additional preparation time for the finale at Phoenix.
Throughout the playoff run, Hamlin drew motivation from his family, particularly his father, Dennis, whose declining health weighed heavily on the driver’s mind. Hamlin dedicated the significant Las Vegas win to his father, underscoring the personal challenges behind his on-track determination.
Championship Frustration Grows for Hamlin
This year marked Hamlin’s fifth career appearance in the Championship 4, but again the No. 11 Toyota left Phoenix Raceway without hoisting the Cup. Finishing second in the final point standings matched Hamlin’s best-ever outcome — a result he previously achieved in 2010 after losing the title battle to Jimmie Johnson.
The persistent heartbreak extends beyond racing statistics; Hamlin has acknowledged he may not have many more seasons left as a full-time Cup driver, yet he remains determined to chase a championship before retirement. In the aftermath, Hamlin maintained his fighting spirit:
“I got a couple more shots at it,”
he said.
“Man, if you can’t win that one, I don’t know which one you can win.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
The Road Ahead After Another Painful Setback
With the 2023 season complete, Hamlin and his Joe Gibbs Racing team now face a period of regrouping and reflection. The Denny Hamlin Cup Series heartbreak at Phoenix Raceway has once again delayed a long-sought achievement, but Hamlin’s resilience and success throughout the year, including his strong connection to family and the support of his team, suggest his championship quest is not yet over. Fans and competitors alike will be watching to see if next season could finally bring the breakthrough he has tirelessly worked toward.
