Denny Hamlin has candidly addressed his Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship loss, describing the emotional toll following his defeat at Phoenix Raceway. Despite leading for much of the race and weeks of rigorous work, Hamlin was left “drained,” reflecting intense disappointment after losing the NASCAR title to Kyle Larson.
Hamlin Details Struggles Leading Up to the Finale
Entering the season, the veteran faced significant hurdles as his main sponsor withdrew and his longtime crew chief departed, adding uncertainty to Hamlin’s pursuit of the championship. Adjusting to a new crew chief was a concern for the Virginia native, but he returned to winning ways by the seventh race of the year.
With six victories, Hamlin became the first competitor to secure a spot in the championship race, setting three weeks aside for focused preparation ahead of Phoenix. Hamlin’s efforts seemed poised to pay off; starting on pole, he dominated by leading over two hundred laps. However, his run at glory unraveled after a late caution and a strategic miscalculation that paved the way for rival Kyle Larson to capture the trophy. In the aftermath, Hamlin openly acknowledged needing time and space to process the heartbreak of his latest near miss.
An Exhausting Pursuit and Emotional Aftermath
Hamlin reflected on the fatigue brought by the long build-up and the stakes involved in the season finale. In an exclusive discussion with Racing America, he explained,
“It took so much out of me, it drained so much out of me, time-wise. And a lot of it, too, is because we had multiple weeks to prepare. If I had gotten in after Martinsville, I wouldn’t have had all that time to spend on Phoenix, but yeah, it was tiring and gruelling, which is why I feel the way I feel today.”
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin’s words echo his history of near-misses, as this heartbreak marks his fifth close call with the championship. Each attempt has tested his resolve, further weighing on his sense of fulfillment as a veteran driver for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Finding Perspective in Carl Edwards’ Example
Seeking solace and insight, Hamlin drew comparisons to Carl Edwards, whose 2016 title bid ended in disappointment after a late-race caution led to a race-ending collision. Hamlin emphasized that not holding the coveted trophy does not diminish a driver’s value or capability. Drawing from Edwards’ experience, Hamlin stated,
“To borrow from Carl Edwards, I mean, with five laps to go, I knew what it was like to be a champion. I did everything I was supposed to, and so, you know, 40 seconds or 50 seconds at the end deciding whether I win that championship or not has no bearing on my ability or what I’m capable of. I just don’t have the trophy sitting at home, but I know we were the best,” Denny Hamlin said via aforementioned source.
– Denny Hamlin, Driver
Edwards’ loss became a turning point that prompted his retirement from the sport. For Hamlin, referencing the former driver’s mindset provided a context for handling the sting of coming up short despite being well-prepared and performing at a high level.
Respect Between Rivals and Looking Ahead
During the season awards banquet in Phoenix, Hamlin revisited the notion of “deserving” a title versus actually winning one, noting that while Kyle Larson earned the championship, Hamlin’s performance at Phoenix demonstrated dominance even if the reward eluded him. He also pointed out his discomfort with how his own story momentarily overshadowed Larson’s achievement.
With mutual respect evident, Hamlin attended Larson’s post-championship party to personally congratulate and acknowledge his rival’s success.
The intense build-up, strategic errors, and emotional aftermath of the Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship loss at Phoenix highlight the fine margins that define success and heartbreak in top-level racing. For Hamlin and his supporters, the future now turns to whether his persistence—and the lessons learned from past disappointment—can drive a renewed quest for a long-awaited championship victory.
