At Bristol Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin captured attention by introducing himself with just one word, “Him.” The brief moment was shared widely when NASCAR content creator Eric Estepp posted a video of the driver walking across the stage, grabbing the microphone, and delivering his succinct introduction before leaving the stage. This event took place during the final race of the opening round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, a critical juncture for drivers aiming to advance in the competition.
Unlike many competitors who faced elimination pressure at Bristol, Hamlin had already secured his position in the next round of the playoffs. His calm and confident introduction reflected the strong season he is having, with him leading the points standings after 27 races and setting himself apart as the driver to watch.
Hamlin’s Performance Dominates 2025 NASCAR Season
Denny Hamlin is currently having one of his best seasons in NASCAR. After 27 races, he tops the leaderboard with 2,120 points, boasting five wins—the most of any driver this year. His consistency is evident with 15 top-10 finishes, including 12 within the top 5, and three pole positions, marking strong qualifying sessions. Hamlin has also led a total of 642 laps, demonstrating his ability to stay at the front during extended periods of races.
Despite encountering three DNFs (Did Not Finish), his overall performance remains strong, with an average starting position of 13.179 and an average finish just slightly better at 13.148. This balance of speed and reliability is key to his current standing as a playoff frontrunner.
The playoffs have so far proven fruitful for Hamlin. His victory at Gateway was the highlight of the round, where he started on pole, led 75 laps, and controlled the race’s final stages to secure his advancement. Prior to Gateway, his seventh-place finish at Darlington further demonstrated his consistency. With Bristol closing the round, Hamlin was free from the elimination drama, unlike many of his rivals still fighting to continue.
Crew Chief Chris Gayle Comments on Hamlin’s Concentration Amid Challenges
Chris Gayle, Hamlin’s crew chief, recently shared insights into the driver’s focus during this intense stage of the season. Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Gayle emphasized that Hamlin’s concentration on racing remains unwavering, despite external distractions such as ongoing legal disputes involving 23XI Racing and NASCAR’s charter system. Gayle observed,
“I spend a little more time with him and I watch him come in here for competition meetings and for our simulator sessions and I don’t hear anything about the lawsuit, what’s going on at home. It’s totally focused on the race car, on the 11 car and what we need to do to make it better.” —Chris Gayle, Crew Chief
Gayle added that Hamlin’s experience allows him to maintain a clear separation between his personal challenges and his professional goals, explaining that at this point in his career Hamlin understands what he wants and is determined to avoid distractions.
Hamlin’s Season Performance Reflects Resilience and Skill
The results on track reinforce this perspective. Hamlin’s five wins in 2025 are the highest he has achieved in a single year since 2020. Together with his teammate Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s secured playoff spot underscores his strong form. As the playoffs continue, Hamlin’s ability to stay focused and deliver consistent results will likely keep him among the contenders for the championship.
His distinctive “Him” introduction at Bristol symbolizes not just confidence but a reminder that he remains a dominant force in NASCAR this season, and fans will be watching to see how far his momentum can carry him in the upcoming rounds of the playoffs.
