Denny Hamlin recently secured his fifth victory in the NASCAR Cup Series this season, raising questions about whether 2025 might be the year he finally clinches the championship. On The Teardown podcast, Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck from The Athletic debated Hamlin’s chances, discussing the challenges and potential outcomes of his pursuit.
Jordan Bianchi admitted to uncertainty about Hamlin’s prospects, saying,
“I don’t know. I wish I had some insightful answer, but I don’t know,”
expressing that both he and Hamlin remain unsure despite Hamlin’s strong positioning so far. Bianchi emphasized that if Hamlin can maintain his current momentum, there is reason to be optimistic about his chances for a title.
However, Bianchi also highlighted the importance of steady point accumulation and avoiding errors, noting,
“You just have to keep padding your bonus point totals, and that’s the big thing. You can’t make mistakes, and if you have a bad day, you got to be able to have enough point total to fall back on. He’s looked good right now, but he’s looked good many years, and it hasn’t come to fruition.”
Uncertainty Surrounding Hamlin’s Odds of Winning the Championship
Jeff Gluck expressed skepticism about predicting Hamlin’s first Cup Series title this year, pointing out a pattern of setbacks. He stated plainly,
“I’m still never going to go out and just say and predict that Denny Hamlin is going to win a championship,”
but acknowledged that this season could differ because the Toyota team, which Hamlin races for, appears poised to secure the championship.
Gluck suggested that the outcome may depend heavily on Hamlin’s teammates, as their performances could influence the championship battle’s pace and results.
How Hamlin’s Teammates Impact the Championship Race
Gluck highlighted Hamlin’s teammates Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe as significant contenders if they reach the championship race. He identified Bell as a likely candidate to take the title and noted Briscoe’s strong potential as well. These factors add complexity to Hamlin’s path, as internal team competition can shape the championship’s dynamics.
Historically, Hamlin has consistently been near the top of the standings without securing the championship, often finishing in the top five. At present, however, his immediate focus is on surpassing 60 career NASCAR Cup Series race wins. His recent victory at Gateway marked his 59th, bringing that milestone closer.
Significance of Toyota Partnership and Future Challenges
Following his win at Gateway, Hamlin reflected on Toyota’s role in his career and the partnership‘s importance to Joe Gibbs Racing. He stated,
“It’s super special because they’ve been such a big partner of Joe Gibbs Racing for such a long time,”
expressing pride in the longstanding collaboration.
He also recalled the switch from Chevrolet to Toyota roughly 16 or 17 years ago, initially a concern but ultimately a successful move. Hamlin described his ongoing connection with Toyota as deeply rooted, especially with his involvement in the 23XI Racing team.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 NASCAR Season
While Denny Hamlin’s 2025 championship chances remain uncertain and complicated by historical hurdles, his current form and competitive team suggest he still holds a strong opportunity. The performance of his teammates, especially Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe, will also influence the championship landscape. As Hamlin closes in on yet another major career milestone, fans and analysts alike await to see if this season will finally deliver the championship title he has sought for years.
