In the aftermath of Bubba Wallace’s surprising Brickyard 400 victory on Sunday, Denny Hamlin made a revealing statement about his future in racing. Hamlin, who co-owns Wallace’s No. 23 team, crossed the finish line in third place despite a tough start that saw him crash during qualifying and drive from the back of the pack. During the post-race news conference, Hamlin acknowledged the shrinking window for success at this event as part of his broader career outlook.
“I’m sitting back there after qualifying in the car thinking, well, I’ve only got two more chances (to win the Brickyard 400),” Hamlin said in a post-race news conference on Sunday. “I knew that I’d blown this chance for this weekend because of all the obstacles to try to win from the back.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Contract Extension Signals Nearing End of Driving Career
Earlier in the week, Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Hamlin had agreed to a two-year contract extension. Hamlin indicated this most likely represents the final deal of his career, suggesting that 2027 will be his concluding full-time season in the Cup Series. At 46 years old in 2027, Hamlin anticipates wrapping up his on-track career with the team he has driven for throughout much of his time in NASCAR.
Remaining Chances to Add to Career Achievements
With only two more years to compete, Hamlin faces limited opportunities to achieve several milestones. He has just two remaining chances to claim his first Brickyard 400 victory and to secure wins in the Daytona 500 for a fourth time and the World 600 for a second time. If he ends his career after the 2027 season, Hamlin will also have three more attempts to capture his elusive first Cup Series championship, including this current season.
Legacy Beyond Racing and Future Prospects
Though Hamlin’s window to gather additional titles is closing, he has expressed acceptance with the fact that a Cup Series championship has thus far eluded him. His 58 Cup Series wins and consistent performance have practically guaranteed him first-ballot entry into the NASCAR Hall of Fame even if he retires now. Beyond his accomplishments as a driver, Hamlin remains deeply involved in the sport as a co-owner of 23XI Racing, a podcast host, and a father of three, providing him with many avenues to engage with NASCAR and his fans after driving.
Facing Time and Competition in Final Years
Hamlin’s career is now measured by a ticking clock, as Father Time begins to challenge his ability to compete at the highest level. The uncertainty remains whether he will maintain competitive form through his final seasons before retiring. Hailing from the same region as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Hamlin’s legacy is secure, but the racing community will watch closely as he pursues his final ambitions on the track.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006. Since then, he’s had an incredible career. He has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed victory at the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020), earning a substantial amount of money.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. As a child, Jordan loved dancing, which led her to join the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats dance team, now called the Charlotte Hornets. She first crossed paths with Hamlin while performing at a Bobcats game.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million through his racing career, endorsement deals, team ownership, and smart real estate choices. Whether he is driving or managing a team, Hamlin consistently makes successful decisions both on and off the track.
