At 44 years old, Denny Hamlin is defying expectations for NASCAR drivers his age by emerging as the frontrunner in the 2025 playoffs. Unlike many veterans who consider retirement or struggle to maintain their edge, Hamlin has demonstrated remarkable strength and consistency throughout the season, highlighted by his recent win at the World Wide Technology Raceway. This victory made him the winningest driver of the season with five race wins and clinched the top seed for the playoffs, securing his place in the round of 12 early on.
Hamlin’s triumph at Gateway brought his total Cup Series victories to 59 over a career that spans more than twenty years. Although a championship title still eludes him, he has achieved almost everything else in the sport, including seven major crown jewel race wins. The only significant race missing from his resume is the Brickyard 400. Hamlin now stands just one victory shy of joining the top-10 drivers with the most all-time wins and is four victories away from becoming the active driver with the most career wins.
Even if the elusive championship remains out of reach, Hamlin’s overall accomplishments place him among NASCAR’s all-time greats. Reflecting on his career, he once stated,
When you compare me to someone that’s maybe got one or two, maybe three championships, and half the wins, I don’t think that person’s better than I am.
—Denny Hamlin
How Hamlin’s Mental Shift Has Influenced His 2025 Playoff Run
Hamlin’s mindset has evolved this season, shifting away from an obsession with winning the championship to focusing on staying competitive for as long as possible. Accepting that a title might never come has allowed him to maintain remarkable composure and confidence throughout the demanding playoff schedule. This calmness has not gone unnoticed by his peers, including veteran driver Kevin Harvick.
Harvick remarked,
I’m intrigued by his demeanor. He just seems so loose. Very lowkey. I know it helps when the cars are running good and all those things, but since the start of the playoffs, he has just been super relaxed. Hearing him explain just why that is and his approach to the playoffs this year… obviously, he’s got a different crew chief this year, but he kind of backed up the driver’s demeanor, the driver’s personality, setting the tone for the team.
—Kevin Harvick
Historically, Hamlin’s breakout seasons have sometimes been derailed by bad luck, often beyond his control. However, in 2025, he appears unruffled by potential misfortunes, focusing exclusively on the race itself rather than external pressures or setbacks. This contrast between Hamlin’s calm and the tension seen in many of his rivals underscores the maturity and leadership he brings to the track this year.
Harvick added further insight, saying,
So, it was interesting to hear Denny talk about that and the things that he wanted to do differently going in, and a lot of that comes with maturity, but he definitely spoke about trying to be the leader of his team and setting that tone as far as the personality and things that go with it,
—Kevin Harvick
What Lies Ahead for Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR Career?
Hamlin has secured a contract extension through 2027, but questions remain about how long he will continue to race at this high level. His clear focus is to remain competitive until his final Cup Series competition, avoiding a decline into poor performance that would not suit his reputation. Reflecting this mindset, Hamlin declared,
There’s just got to be a means to an end. I’m just not going to leave the sport on my deathbed… just leaking oil, just running in the back of the pack… I have way too much pride for that. I’m way too cocky for that.
—Denny Hamlin
Although Hamlin might consider retirement at the end of this season, his priorities may also shift due to family commitments, including his time with his son. The coming years will be telling as to whether he continues to chase victories or chooses to step away from racing while still at the top of his game.
