As the Denny Hamlin 2025 NASCAR season comes to an emotional close, Denny Hamlin has candidly addressed both his personal and professional challenges in the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast. Following a heartbreaking end at the Phoenix championship race, Hamlin expressed relief at the approaching new year, highlighting the intense pressures he’s endured on and off the racetrack.
Denny Hamlin is recognized throughout NASCAR as a driver who does not hold back when speaking about his experiences. His unfiltered approach, especially on his podcast, has sparked both controversy and admiration. Notably, some of his remarks have even led to penalties from NASCAR officials, further demonstrating his willingness to speak honestly regardless of the consequences.
Reflecting on the season, Hamlin openly discussed the heavy burdens he’s shouldered in 2025. Between racing, team ownership with 23XI Racing, parenthood, and ongoing legal battles, the seasoned driver made it clear this year had taken an unmistakable toll on him.
“This has been quite the year,”
said Denny Hamlin.
“I mean, I’m so looking forward to January 1st. Just because, I mean, obviously this year, I’m on track, off track, ownership, new baby, dad, race for championship, lawsuit. It just was, it was taxing for sure. I don’t think I could redo 2025 again. No way.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Owner
Balancing Racing, Family, and Legal Turmoil
Beyond the demands of competition, Hamlin’s off-track life has been full of significant developments. His 23XI Racing organization is embroiled in a lawsuit with NASCAR, with the trial set for December. At home, family changes—especially becoming a father again—have added a layer of complexity to a year already packed with pivotal moments. Hamlin acknowledged the intensifying pressure from managing so many responsibilities at once, reinforcing his eagerness to leave 2025 behind.
“That all, I don’t know, I just feel like I’m doing damage to my internals that I don’t know about,”
Hamlin explained.
“Does that make any sense? You can’t just have all the stress and it not eventually take a toll.”
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver and Owner
Phoenix Race Intensifies Emotions Across the Sport
The Phoenix championship race, which marked one of the most talked-about moments of the year, ultimately ended in disappointment for Hamlin. The heartbreak at the center of the result resonated across drivers and fans alike, with several competitors, including champion Kyle Larson and William Byron, offering support to Hamlin after the race. The atmosphere at the event stood out as unusually somber, reflecting the emotional gravity of the finish.
Kyle Larson claimed the 2025 NASCAR championship, a result that cemented his status as a two-time titleholder. Despite debates around the championship format, there is a widespread sense that Larson’s achievement was well-deserved. However, the circumstances surrounding the conclusion left many, including Hamlin, reflecting on missed opportunities and the unpredictability of the sport’s playoff system.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Renewal for 2026
Despite the challenges and the heartbreak in Phoenix, Denny Hamlin has no intentions of stepping away. He will return in 2026, again driving the No. 11 car, ready to compete for victories. With expected changes coming to the championship format—likely moving to a structure reminiscent of the Chase—Hamlin sees a fresh start on the horizon. When the new season begins at Daytona, he will aim to channel the difficulties of this past year into renewed determination and pursuit of a long-awaited championship.
The conclusion of the Denny Hamlin 2025 NASCAR season marks both an end and a beginning for the veteran racer. As he navigates ongoing legal battles, personal growth, and relentless competition, Hamlin remains a central figure in NASCAR—one whose openness and resilience continue to resonate throughout the sport.
