Denny Hamlin Unclaimed Victory: Denny Hamlin, the seasoned 42-year-old NASCAR veteran, is on a quest for a peculiar piece of his racing history: the trophy he technically didnt win 16 years ago at the Milwaukee Mile. Despite not being officially credited with the victory, Hamlin did, in fact, triumph in the 2007 AT&T 250, a race that concluded with one of the stranger stories in his career.
The tale goes like this: Hamlin, doing double-duty that weekend, was significantly delayed in his arrival at the Milwaukee Mile. He eventually relieved Aric Almirola, who had started the race. Hamlin then roared through the field, ultimately clinching the win. However, due to the starting driver rule, Aric Almirola was officially credited with the victory, even though he didn’t celebrate it.
I dont need the trophy, no, Hamlin said on his podcast, Actions Detrimental. Do I want it? Eh, I wouldnt mind having one, but its like, I get it. I dont know who has the trophy. As far as I know, Aric says that he doesnt have it. I dont have it. I wonder if a crew guy has it.
The circumstances leading to this victory were as bizarre as the story itself. Hamlin, then in his second full-time season with Joe Gibbs Racing in the Cup Series, was also racing a significant schedule in the Busch Series (now Xfinity Series). Aric Almirola, a development driver for Gibbs, was competing in about half of the races.
I was in Sonoma on a Cup race weekend, and we were in Milwaukee, which is the home of Rockwell Automation, Hamlin recalled. Rockwell Automation was my very first Xfinity sponsor, so it was a home race for them. It meant a lot to them. Id built a relationship with Rockwell, and they wanted to see me in the car.
The logistics of doing double duty at separate tracks werent uncommon back then, but they could sometimes get tricky. In this case, Hamlin’s journey involved a helicopter from the airport to the track. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he arrived late and found Aric Almirola leading the race.
So I went from the airport and was supposed to have a helicopter from the airport to the track, Hamlin said. I get in the helicopter, and next you know were circling around. Im like, whats going on? Why arent we landing? I see theyre about to start the race. And hes like, theres cars parked on the helipad.
The temporary helipad at State Fair Park turned out to be more complicated than expected, and the wires were crossed.
Had to land back at the airport, drive there, and by then we were probably 15 laps into the race, something like that, Hamlin continued. Aric runs, and hes leading the race. He qualified on the pole and led the race.
But when Aric Almirola started struggling, Hamlin was called in as the substitute driver. He eventually took the lead, securing the win. Although Almirola left the race before it ended and didn’t get the trophy, the whereabouts of the trophy itself remain a mystery.
If you are the owner of that trophy, Ill pay you a 500 dollars finders fee to return it, Hamlin said, jokingly acknowledging the missing piece of his racing history. Just for the story. Because when Im older and this is all Ive got is to tell old stories about old races, itd be a fun show-and-tell.
ALSO READ: Ryan Truex: Racing Dreams and Determination Meet Victory Lane
Our Reader’s Queries
Has Denny Hamlin ever won a championship?
Despite having an impressive Cup résumé with 51 wins and three Daytona 500 trophies, Denny Hamlin has yet to secure a NASCAR Cup Series championship. He has finished in the top-5 in the standings for eight seasons, but this coveted title still eludes him.
How many wins did Denny Hamlin have in 2023?
Denny Hamlin, with an impressive 11 podium finishes, secured victory in three races, came in second in four races, and landed in third place in another four races. His consistent performance throughout the season has earned him a well-deserved spot among the top contenders in the racing world.
Where did Denny Hamlin get his money?
With a net worth of $65 million, Denny Hamlin is undoubtedly one of the most successful NASCAR drivers of all time. His impressive financial standing is a result of his remarkable racing career, lucrative endorsements, and successful business ventures. As one of the highest-paid drivers in the industry, Hamlin has earned a substantial income throughout his career, cementing his status as a true icon in the world of motorsports.
What just happened to Denny Hamlin?
Late in the season, Denny Hamlin revealed that he had torn two tendons in his shoulder during an off-track sporting event. Despite the injury, he persevered through the last five races, finding it hard to believe that he will experience more pain in late January than what he did in October and November. It was a challenging time for him, but he managed to push through and finish the season.