At 44 years old, Denny Hamlin stands as the oldest full-time competitor in NASCAR’s Cup Series and remains a key figure for younger Toyota drivers seeking to develop their racing skills. With 58 career victories, Hamlin’s experience and guidance through his NASCAR mentorship role have become invaluable to emerging racers.
Tyler Reddick, one of Hamlin’s proteges, praised his racing intelligence and the way he shares knowledge, attributing much of his own growth to Hamlin’s support. Hamlin, who recently extended his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing for two more years, continues to be a central figure within the Toyota racing community.
The Extent of Hamlin’s Racing Career Achievements
Currently in his 21st season with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin hopes to reach 60 wins by his 45th birthday in November, a milestone that would tie him with Kevin Harvick for 10th place on the all-time Cup Series wins list. Despite not yet capturing a championship, Hamlin has qualified for NASCAR playoffs a record 18 times and reached the Championship 4 on four occasions.
His impressive record includes victories in high-profile events such as three Daytona 500s, three Southern 500s, and one Coca-Cola 600. The Virginia native’s career boasts 244 top-five finishes, 369 top-ten finishes, 44 poles, and he has led over 15,800 laps, demonstrating his sustained competitiveness in stock car racing’s elite level.
Insights from Tyler Reddick on Hamlin’s Mentoring Influence
At 29, Tyler Reddick credits Hamlin with significantly contributing to his development as a more versatile driver. He highlighted Hamlin’s expertise in short-track racing and his strategic approach to car setup.
“He (has a) very high racing IQ,”
Tyler Reddick said.
“I feel like the last couple years, he’s done more sharing of that with everybody with the platforms that he uses. For me, he’s really helped me understand short-track racing. He’s helped me become a more well-rounded driver.”
Reddick also emphasized Hamlin’s thorough preparation and ability to pinpoint key car qualities in both simulator sessions and on-track practice.
“His preparation is up there for sure,”
said Reddick, who races for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Hamlin.
I also feel like when it comes to understanding what qualities you want your car to have, to be able to identify those, whether that’s in the sim or in practice.
Chase Briscoe Describes Learning From Hamlin’s Dedication and Data-Driven Approach
Chase Briscoe, Hamlin’s teammate in his first season at Joe Gibbs Racing, expressed admiration for Hamlin’s intense preparation and use of technology during race weekends. Briscoe compared Hamlin’s professionalism to that of Kevin Harvick during his early days at Stewart-Haas Racing.
“It does remind me a lot of (Kevin) Harvick when I first got to SHR (Stewart-Haas Racing), their way of going about their prepping for the weekend and intensity level,”
Briscoe said.
“Denny’s put in more sim hours than any of us at JGR.”
Briscoe also highlighted Hamlin’s strong reliance on data, which has influenced Briscoe’s own approach this season.
“Every meeting we have, he’s always got data to back up whatever he’s talking about,”
Briscoe said.
“Whenever we do our post-practice sessions, debriefs, he’s looking through every lap, graph and data. It is just very eye-opening to how into the analytics and the data he is. That is something that I’ve never really used in the past. I’ve tried to start doing more this year because I’ve seen it makes a difference for him.”
Hamlin’s Racing Intelligence Praised by Fellow Drivers
Reddick further described Hamlin as “just a very smart racer” and highlighted his note-taking habits and ability to leverage available resources effectively.
“He takes great notes. He uses his resources to his advantage,”
Reddick said.
Legacy and Influence Beyond the Track
Denny Hamlin’s role as a mentor reflects both his dedication to racing and his willingness to invest in the careers of younger drivers. As he approaches significant personal milestones, including a potential place among NASCAR’s top winners, his influence continues to shape the future of Toyota’s Cup Series competitors.
Hamlin’s combination of experience, preparation, and analytical skill provides a blueprint for success that many of his teammates and fellow racers seek to emulate, suggesting that his mentorship will remain a vital part of NASCAR’s competitive landscape for years to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Starting his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved legendary status. He has 51 Cup Series wins and three Daytona 500 victories (2016, 2019, 2020). He has also earned millions during his career.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has a net worth of $65 million. He’s made over $100 million from his NASCAR contracts and race winnings. Major companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota pay him multi-million dollar endorsement deals. He also co-owns 23XI Racing, which is valued at more than $100 million.
