Dale Earnhardt Jr. has voiced strong support for Denny Hamlin’s long-awaited NASCAR Cup championship, highlighting the driver’s consistent excellence throughout his 21-year career. Speaking on his podcast, Earnhardt focused on Hamlin’s current form and his resilience against age and changing team dynamics, emphasizing that the veteran deserves the title as he approaches 45 years old.
Earnhardt stressed that Hamlin defies typical age expectations in racing.
“He’s at that age, at 44 years old, to where anybody with some sense would look at him and go, ‘Alright, when are we going to start to see it, right? When are we going to start to see Father Time catching up with him?’”
Earnhardt said. Yet, he noted, Hamlin is improving rather than declining, branding him an anomaly in the sport.
To illustrate Hamlin’s longevity, Earnhardt compared him to NASCAR veterans like Harry Gant and Bobby Allison, who also won races in their 40s. He attributed sustained success to mental sharpness and adaptability, qualities Hamlin has demonstrated while adapting to multiple crew chiefs, vehicle changes, and NASCAR regulations over two decades.
Adaptability and Consistency Mark Hamlin’s Career
Earnhardt praised Hamlin’s ability to remain competitive regardless of his team setup or car evolution.
“Over his 21-year Cup career Hamlin had gone through multiple crew chiefs, different race cars, and various generations of cars, yet always managed to succeed,”
Earnhardt explained. Such versatility, Earnhardt suggested, is rare and speaks to Hamlin’s skill and determination.
As Hamlin enjoys one of the strongest seasons of his career, Earnhardt believes this is the moment for him to claim NASCAR’s ultimate prize.
“I think it’s so impressive and he deserves to win a championship,”
Earnhardt stated.
“He deserves to know what that feels like. All the things that he’s had, all the wins, all the trophies in the house, all the things that he has in his memory of his career, he deserves to have a trophy.”
Hamlin’s Enduring Role with Joe Gibbs Racing
Hamlin’s sustained tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) stands out amid the frequent driver changes the team has experienced. Earnhardt noted that many drivers who have come through JGR, including some champions, have left the organization, but Hamlin remains the one constant presence.
“When I look at Joe Gibbs Racing, there’s one constant,”
Earnhardt said.
“There’s a lot of drivers that have came and went through that organization. There’s some that have won championships that would eventually be let go.”
Earnhardt named Kyle Busch and Bobby Labonte among those who earned championships with JGR but eventually departed.
“I’m not talking about just Kyle Busch. Bobby Labonte won a championship with [JGR] and then just a few years later, they wanted to move on. But one thing that’s been a constant is Denny Hamlin.”
The Uncertain Future Without a Championship
While Earnhardt voices hope for Hamlin’s championship success this season, he also expresses concern about the possibility that Hamlin’s career might end without that crowning achievement.
“Man, would he be a unicorn if he were to have all of this and end it all without that title?”
Earnhardt said.
“By far, there’s no real comparison. Maybe Mark Martin.”
Earnhardt subtly identified himself as another rare example of a top driver without a Cup championship, underscoring how exceptional Hamlin’s career has been despite the missing title.
Significance of Hamlin’s Championship Pursuit
Denny Hamlin’s ongoing pursuit of a NASCAR Cup championship reflects not just his personal ambition but also a broader story of perseverance in a demanding sport. As he nears 45 years old, his ability to maintain elite performance despite changes in crew chiefs, cars, and team strategies demonstrates a remarkable level of resilience and talent.
Should Hamlin capture his first title this season, it would validate decades of dedication and secure his legacy as one of NASCAR’s most persistent and skilled drivers. Earnhardt’s public endorsement adds weight to that narrative, highlighting how even those who know the sport best recognize Hamlin’s championship potential and the fairness of his claim to that honor.
