Denny Hamlin’s rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series began in 2006 with a strong signal that he would become a major contender. Kicking off the year at Daytona International Speedway, he surprised fans by winning the Budweiser Shootout non-points event, a rare achievement for a newcomer. He maintained consistent performance throughout the season, capturing both races at Pocono Raceway and finishing third in the overall points standings, setting high expectations for his career.
At just 25 years old and driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin seemed poised for a championship, with many viewing his rise to the Cup title as inevitable.
Nearly Two Decades Without the Title
Despite maintaining his competitive edge for nearly 18 years, Hamlin, now 44, has yet to secure the coveted NASCAR Cup championship. His career has been marked by strong finishes but just short of ultimate victory: third in points in 2006, second in 2010, and third again in 2014. Throughout his career, Hamlin has accumulated 59 wins and regularly finished in the top six of the season standings, yet the championship continues to elude him.
His plight bears a resemblance to that of Hall of Fame driver Mark Martin, widely acknowledged as one of NASCAR’s greatest talents but never a champion despite 40 wins and a lengthy career. Martin finished second in points five times and third four times, and has advocated for returning to the old points system that might have favored his consistency—an outcome that often denied him the title.
Today, Hamlin is frequently labeled the
“best driver never to win a championship.”
2024 Playoffs: Hamlin’s Close Approach to History
Currently, Hamlin is in a strong position to rewrite history. His recent victory at Gateway guaranteed him a spot in the second round of the NASCAR Cup playoffs, where he currently leads the leaderboard as he heads into the final race of the first round at Bristol Motor Speedway. His performance has been solid, finishing seventh at Darlington Raceway by leading 12 laps, before demonstrating dominance with 75 laps led during the Gateway win.
Hamlin has shown strength on tracks he knows well, with multiple wins at New Hampshire and Kansas. However, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval remains a challenge, as he has yet to claim a victory there.
Betting markets at Las Vegas reflect Hamlin’s strong playoff status. At the start of the playoffs, he shared co-favorite status with Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson at +400 odds. Hamlin now stands alone atop those odds at +400, while Larson’s chances have slightly dropped to +450.
The Lingering Shadow of Playoff Misfortune
Despite Hamlin’s current form, his history of playoff disappointments lingers as a source of pressure. Fans and analysts alike watch to see if he can finally overcome the setbacks that have stalled his championship chase in the past. Even with this cloud of doubt, Hamlin faces the challenge head-on, showing no signs of hesitation or loss of confidence.
Known for embracing his role as a polarizing figure, Hamlin has openly welcomed the boos he receives from rivals’ fans after victories, highlighting his competitive spirit.
“I’m sure there’s someone more competitive than me,”
—Denny Hamlin
“I just don’t want to end knowing, man, those last 70 races [of his career] I didn’t really give it my all. I could have had 70 wins already buckled down. … There’s no way I could live with the weight on my shoulders knowing that I shipped it in for the last 70 or so races.”
—Denny Hamlin
Wins and Legacy Beyond the Championship
Hamlin’s main priority is adding to his career wins and securing victories at tracks where he has yet to succeed, rather than focusing solely on championships. He has openly expressed ambitions for triumphs at historic venues, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Brickyard 400, where victory has so far eluded him.
“Brickyards, right? I haven’t won the freaking Brickyard,”
—Denny Hamlin
“I’m going to have two more shots at it. There’s certain races I do have countdowns for. Championships isn’t one of them. Obviously, it’s well-documented that I want to get the wins, and I feel like that will carry its weight long after. When you compare me to someone that’s maybe got one or two, maybe three championships, and half the wins, I don’t think that person’s better than I am.”
—Denny Hamlin
While the championship would represent a crowning achievement, Hamlin is determined to define his career by the number of wins he accumulates and the challenges he overcomes, emphasizing the lasting value of his overall success.
The Ongoing Pursuit of a Dream
Denny Hamlin’s career has been one of remarkable highs coupled with the frustration of coming so close yet falling short of NASCAR’s ultimate prize. Beginning as a successful rookie, he has consistently been a top competitor and remains so, even as he approaches the final years of his full-time Cup career, slated to end after the 2027 season.
The 2024 playoffs offer Hamlin another opportunity to add a championship to his extensive list of accomplishments, and fans will closely monitor whether this year finally delivers the breakthrough that has so long been anticipated. Regardless of the outcome, Hamlin’s legacy as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors is secure.
