Denny Hamlin, the experienced driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, has updated his career aspirations, now aiming to achieve 70 NASCAR Cup Series wins. At 44 years old and with 58 victories already secured, Hamlin revealed this ambitious new goal during a recent interview on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, signaling his determination to extend his legacy beyond previous milestones.
Current Performance and Ongoing Motivation
This season, Hamlin has already accumulated four wins, demonstrating that his competitive drive remains strong even after twenty years in the sport. Shortly after earning his 58th career triumph in a tense double-overtime finish at Dover Motor Speedway on July 20, Hamlin reflected on what fuels his continued pursuit of success. When asked by host Dale Earnhardt Jr. about his motivation at this stage in his career, Hamlin explained that he previously set a goal of 60 wins but has since raised the bar to 70.
“I know that’s such a cliche answer, right? But I’m just a goal-driven person. I’m setting out, you know, I said I want to win 60 races. Well, if I get to 60, then I’m going to tell you I want to get to 70.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Despite suggestions from Earnhardt Jr. and co-host TJ Majors that a target of 65 wins might be more reasonable, Hamlin remained steadfast in his ambition to reach 70 victories. He emphasized the importance of setting challenging goals that push him to perform at his best.
“I mean, four a year for the next couple years? Finish this year off with a couple more? I don’t know, who knows? I don’t know. If you don’t have goals, if they’re just so easily attainable, is it really a goal? It’s more like a want at that point. I don’t know. I just feel like I want to win as many races as I possibly can.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Context Within NASCAR and Rivalries
Hamlin is currently just two wins shy of matching Kevin Harvick’s total of 60 Cup Series victories. However, his aim now extends beyond catching that figure to surpassing it and securing a higher place among NASCAR’s all-time winners. Hamlin openly stated his desire to retire within the top ten on the all-time wins list, recognizing that upcoming talent will likely challenge and surpass existing records.
“I really want to finish my career in the top 10 of winners list. I’ve got to plan on a few guys coming up that will beat that one day, right? So you can’t just be 10th. You’re going to end up being 11th or 13th when this thing is all said and done.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
He pointed out that the competitiveness of the sport has increased, with wins being distributed more widely among drivers than in previous years.
“So I’ve got to get myself well inside that top 10, and certainly I think today it’s harder to win than ever. I think that the wins get spread out more than other years past.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin also mentioned a familiar rival, Kyle Larson, noting that maintaining his own winning streak helps slow Larson’s progress and keeps Hamlin competitive within the standings.
“As long as I can keep winning and keep guys like Kyle Larson from winning, it’ll keep them from passing me in a quicker fashion.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Current Standings and Upcoming Challenges
At present, Hamlin holds fourth place in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings and trails race leader Chase Elliott by just 39 points. His four victories this season have already secured his place in the playoffs, the most wins recorded by any driver in 2025 so far. The momentum he carries into the remainder of the season positions him well to continue adding to his career win tally.
Hamlin will soon face a significant opportunity to advance his goals at the Brickyard 400 event Sunday, July 27, hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, representing a crucial moment for Hamlin to maintain his competitive edge.
Significance of Hamlin’s Ambition in NASCAR History
Denny Hamlin’s decision to elevate his goal from 60 to 70 wins highlights not only his personal drive but also the evolving nature of competition within NASCAR. Achieving 70 career victories would place Hamlin among the elite in motorsport history, firmly anchoring his legacy for future generations. His relentless pursuit to rank within the top ten all-time winners reflects an awareness of emerging talent and the urgency to cement his standing before retirement.
As he prepares for the remaining races of the season, including the high-profile Brickyard 400, Hamlin’s focus on consistent top performance ensures that his quest for 70 wins remains within reach. His approach exemplifies the level of commitment required to succeed in the modern NASCAR era, where talent and strategy intersect amid a highly competitive field.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Starting his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved remarkable success. He has secured 51 Cup Series wins and claimed victory in the Daytona 500 three times (2016, 2019, 2020). Along the way, he has earned millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. Their first meeting didn’t go well, but they connected on the second try and started dating in 2007. Despite some challenges, they have stayed very close.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s wealth of $65 million comes from several sources. He has earned over $100 million through NASCAR contracts and race winnings.
He also receives multi-million dollar endorsements from companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Additionally, he co-owns 23XI Racing, which is now valued at more than $100 million.
Q. What happened between Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish?
A. Hamlin and Fish have been together for eleven years and continue to have a strong relationship. In 2017, they had their second child, named Molly. After being partners for 17 years, they are now engaged. They shared the news of their engagement on New Year’s Day this year.
