SPEEDWAY, Ind. — On July 25, Joe Gibbs Racing announced a new contract extension with driver Denny Hamlin, marking a notable moment in his enduring NASCAR Cup Series career. Hamlin, who has driven for the team since 2004, confirmed at a press conference held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that the extension would last two years, unlike the usual three-year agreements, indicating the likely final stage of his racing tenure.
At 44 years old with 58 Cup victories, Hamlin’s announcement highlights a career that has spanned more than two decades, with his perseverance and consistent performance drawing comparisons to Kevin Harvick’s longevity rather than the decline seen in other veterans like Jimmie Johnson.
Strong Loyalty and Motivation Sustain Hamlin’s Career
Hamlin attributes much of his sustained success to deep personal motivation and a strong bond with Joe Gibbs and his family. The team owner’s early faith in the Virginia native and former Subway sandwich maker helped launch Hamlin’s career, a relationship he treasures deeply.
I would say it’s kind of a two fold thing,
Hamlin explained.
Some of it is my self motivating, right? Goals I’d like to reach in the Cup Series.
He added,
JD (Gibbs) obviously believed in me quite a bit,
and that loyalty inspires him to continue.
You want to pay back that loyalty to the family that gave you that start. It’ll be well over 20 years that I’ll be with them. And couldn’t imagine racing for any other organization, much less family.
Hamlin now holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured and winningest driver in Joe Gibbs Racing history, a testament to his longevity and consistent results.
Ongoing Competitiveness Drives Hamlin’s Decision
Hamlin emphasized that his ability to keep winning is a key driving force behind his decision to extend.
The ability to win week in, week out, that certainly is a high motivating factor in wanting to do this,
he said.
Certainly, I think about on a weekly basis, would I want to do this if I didn’t have the ability or couldn’t win as much? Probably … the motivation wouldn’t be there. But certainly, as competitive as I am, I’m motivated by being able to win.
Physically, Hamlin feels more capable than in some previous years, even after overcoming significant injuries, including a broken back in a 2013 crash and multiple surgeries for lingering ailments.
Kind of got my body in a good place,
Hamlin stated.
My back is not bothering me as much as it was a few years ago. I’ve kind of gotten in a good place there. And so a lot of it is, can you physically hold up? Can you mentally hold up?
He remains committed to racing at the highest level, intending to approach every race weekend with the same work ethic he showed early in his career.
I just I never wane from making sure that I’m doing my job, and to the best of my ability and work ethic will never change,
Hamlin said.
Hamlin’s Work Ethic and Data-Driven Approach Impress Emerging Drivers
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s newest teammate, expressed surprise at Hamlin’s dedication despite a busy life balancing racing, family, and business interests like 23XI Racing.
Just from the outside looking in, you expect that he has a ton of distractions, right?
Briscoe said.
With the 23XI [Racing] stuff. And obviously he’s got a lot going on at home with three kids, I could definitely relate to that.
He’s literally there more than probably anybody, as far as sim work goes … when he would, I feel like, have every reason to kind of be able to get out of it, especially he’s been doing it for 20 years.
Briscoe acknowledged that Hamlin’s commitment to data and analytics stands out as well.
It’s been very, very eye opening, just how into the analytics and into the data (Hamlin) is. And that’s something that I’ve never really used in the past and I’m trying to start doing more this year just because I’ve seen that it makes a difference for him.
2023 Cup champion Ryan Blaney also praised Hamlin’s talent, calling him underrated and naming him
“one of the greats in the sport.”
I feel like sometimes the outside world overlooks that, just how good Denny is,
Blaney said.
He’s one of the guys I watch pretty much every weekend in practice, comparing myself to speed wise, just because I know he’s going to be there at some point in the race.
Choosing a Two-Year Extension Reflects Hamlin’s Realism about the Future
Hamlin explained why he opted for a two-year deal instead of a longer commitment, highlighting the uncertainties of future performance.
Who knows what can happen three years from now,
he said.
So I just want to make sure that I get (Joe Gibbs Racing) proper time and make sure I commit to them for not one year, (but) multiple years. Let them try to build continue to build the program. No particular reason other than.
If I was 26, I would take 10 years, but I just I want to make sure that I’m still at my peak form in my final year. That could be tailing off for three years, so I don’t want that.
He also acknowledged the possibility that his performance might decline even before the end of the contract term. Hamlin wants to retire on his own terms, before a drop-off in results.
I want the ability to know I can win my last race,
he said.
That’s going to be the deciding factor. I’m not going to wait until I start to head downward and then retire. I don’t want to go through a whole year.
I understand if it just happens naturally in the second half of the final year, then it just happens, but I don’t want to have to go through another season … if I’m starting to tail off the end of next year, I’ll just retire. I could retire whenever I want to retire, so I think that I’m just going to see how things go.
A Legacy Defined by Loyalty, Work Ethic, and Excellence
Hamlin’s announcement not only signals the approaching conclusion of his racing career but also cements his legacy as a driver motivated by loyalty, relentless work ethic, and a passion for winning. With Joe Gibbs Racing for over two decades, Hamlin continues to lead by example in both physical and mental preparation.
This two-year contract extension offers fans and the NASCAR community a final window to witness the skill and dedication that have made Hamlin one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started his full-time career in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has become a famous driver. He has won 51 Cup Series races and three Daytona 500 races in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Throughout his career, he has also made millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is engaged to Jordan Fish. Their relationship began with a difficult first meeting but improved during their second encounter, and they started dating in 2007. Despite some challenges along the way, they stayed close and built a strong bond.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. The Strategy Behind Denny Hamlin’s $65 Million Wealth: He’s earned over $100 million from NASCAR contracts and winnings. He also has large endorsement deals with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. He co-owns 23XI Racing, a team now worth over $100 million.
