Denny Hamlin is emerging as the leading contender for the title of Denny Hamlin NASCAR Driver 2025, following a season marked by standout performances on the track and important developments off it. As attention turns to awards and honors, Hamlin’s achievements and resilience place him squarely at the forefront of the NASCAR community.
Hamlin’s Racing Season Defined by Consistency and Wins
This year, Hamlin delivered his best season since 2020, capturing six NASCAR Cup Series victories at tracks that included Martinsville, Darlington, Dover, Michigan, St. Louis, and Las Vegas. He consistently demonstrated high-caliber driving, nearly claiming his first Cup championship before an unexpected late caution at Phoenix Raceway allowed Kyle Larson to seize the moment and secure the season’s top prize.
The significance of Hamlin’s season becomes apparent when compared to his rivals. While Larson clinched the Cup championship with three race victories, Hamlin’s six wins represented the highest mark among the year’s top competitors—an achievement that has not gone unnoticed by journalists, broadcasters, and fellow drivers. In a field where six drivers equaled or surpassed Larson’s win tally, Hamlin’s record stood out for both frequency and consistency across diverse circuits.
The Impact of Off-Track Headlines
Beyond his on-track exploits, Hamlin made news as a team co-owner alongside Michael Jordan in a high-profile federal lawsuit against NASCAR, ultimately resolving the matter in their favor. This legal victory concluded with a settlement that many in the industry believe will have enduring influence, not just for Hamlin and Jordan, but for other team owners as well. Their successful legal push promises immediate and long-term changes in both revenue distribution and team leverage within the sport.
Achieving his 60th Cup Series victory, Hamlin’s career trajectory appears headed straight for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, even as he continues his quest for a Cup Series title. Despite this elusive championship, his impact on the sport deepens with every milestone, and he has committed to competing for at least two more seasons.
Rivals and Contenders in the 2025 Race
The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA), composed of prominent motorsports writers, broadcasters, and photographers, is responsible each year for choosing the recipient of the Richard Petty Driver of the Year award. Their voting process is currently underway, with Hamlin a clear favorite given his exceptional race record and growing leadership in the garage.
Other notable standouts in this year’s Cup season include Kyle Larson, who combined three wins with a timely championship run, and Shane Van Gisbergen, whose Rookie of the Year campaign featured five dominating road and street course victories. Van Gisbergen, in particular, made headlines by winning three races by more than ten seconds each—a feat not seen since Bobby Allison in 1982—and registered the largest margin of victory at a road course since 1979, finishing 16.567 seconds ahead in Mexico City.
The NMPA has previously shown willingness to reward excellence in other series, such as last season’s nod to Justin Allgaier, who finally clinched an Xfinity Series title after years of effort. Additionally, Max Verstappen, who swept to 19 Formula 1 victories in 2023, was honored as the Richard Petty Driver of the Year—reflecting the organization’s broader perspective on what constitutes racing excellence.
Looking Ahead: Hamlin’s Legacy and the Awards Season
Although Shane Van Gisbergen appears poised for further success as he continues to expand his skill set, the prevailing narrative of this season is shaped by Hamlin’s persistence, adaptability, and prominent position both inside and outside the car. As the impact of the antitrust settlement begins to reshape the business of NASCAR, Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s actions are likely to ripple through the sport, affecting team owners and the broader competitive landscape.
With the NMPA’s Richard Petty Driver of the Year decision looming and Hamlin’s profile higher than ever, the stage is set for him to add yet another accolade to his legacy. The motorsports world will be watching keenly as award ballots are counted, and the next chapter in the Denny Hamlin NASCAR Driver 2025 story is written.
