Denny Hamlin faced an unusual challenge during the Dover race weekend, juggling his role as a Saturday broadcaster alongside his primary focus on racing. Despite this rare distraction linked to his Denny Hamlin NASCAR race distraction, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver secured a tight victory at the Monster Mile on September 21, 2025. Hamlin’s win came after overcoming a rain delay, strategic decisions in the closing laps, and intense competition during two overtime restarts at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware.
Hamlin’s Audition Behind the Microphone at Dover
In addition to preparing for the Cup Series race, Hamlin took on a broadcasting role for the Xfinity Series event on Saturday, a first in several years for him. Known typically as the relaxed co-host of NASCAR’s ‘Actions Detrimental,’ Hamlin’s assignment for The CW network’s rotating Cup Series stars booth required a more formal commentary approach. However, the Xfinity race hardly offered much excitement, as Connor Zilisch dominated by leading 77 laps before the event was cut short by weather after 134 laps. Hamlin found the experience both interesting and distracting.
Reflecting on his broadcast stint, Hamlin candidly remarked,
Did I learn anything from yesterday? I don’t think so…I typically, probably I would learn more if I was able to sit in my bus and just concentrate on where I’m looking at. I’ve got lap times that are sitting right there, so I can study that. But in the booth, you’re like, ‘Okay, who’s talking next…Hey, you know, they’re in your ear. After this, we gotta go do that.’ And like, so it’s kind of a little bit distracting. So I don’t know that it’s a big advantage to be doing any of that.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Despite the distractions, Hamlin admitted to enjoying the opportunity to return to commentary, saying,
That was fun. I mean, I hadn’t done it in a few years.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
This was not Hamlin’s first time on the microphone; back in 2017, during a FOX Sports drivers-only broadcast at Pocono Raceway, he co-hosted in the Hollywood Hotel studio with Danica Patrick. Hamlin shared the broadcast duties with notable drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Blaney, Erik Jones, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who contributed as pit reporters. Still, Hamlin’s passion lies on the track rather than behind the microphone, especially when a critical race weekend unfolds.
Fierce Intra-Team Rivalry Highlights Hamlin’s Victory
The competition at Dover was fierce, notably from within Hamlin’s own Joe Gibbs Racing team. Chase Briscoe, who joined JGR after Stewart-Haas Racing ended its 16-year run, proved to be a formidable challenger. Briscoe’s adaptation to Toyota culminated in his first Joe Gibbs Racing win earlier in the season at Pocono Raceway. His pressure on Hamlin during the final two-lap sprint at Dover kept the veteran driver fighting for the lead until the very end.
After the race, Hamlin acknowledged Briscoe’s strong performance amid challenging conditions, noting,
It is so hard..We definitely had the oldest tires in the field those last few restarts, but got good restarts. The last one – Chase [Briscoe] actually did an amazing job, holding right there with me. Made me really nervous that he was going to clear me off of [Turn 2]. But man, we fought back. I love that we didn’t let this one slip away. This one would have hurt.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin’s ability to hold off such a relentless teammate underlines his experience and resilience, especially navigating a race slowed by a 56-minute red flag due to rain. Ultimately, he edged out Briscoe by just 0.310 seconds, reinforcing his status as a top contender in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Contextualizing Hamlin’s Victory Amid a Challenging Season
This victory adds to Hamlin’s impressive tally, marking his 58th Cup Series win, further cementing his reputation within Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR. The triumph at Dover, a track where he is notably successful, comes at a moment when internal team dynamics are shifting with emerging talents like Briscoe pushing hard for wins. Hamlin’s performance under pressure highlights his capacity to stay focused despite off-track commitments and rising competition.
His ability to compartmentalize the distraction of broadcasting duties and maintain peak concentration during a complex race weekend illuminates the dedication Hamlin brings to his racing career. As the NASCAR season continues, his spot at the forefront of JGR’s driver lineup appears secure, fueled by his competitiveness and adaptability.
Looking Ahead: What Hamlin’s Victory Means for NASCAR’s Future
Denny Hamlin’s win at Dover sends a clear message to the NASCAR community and his peers: distractions outside the cockpit will not derail his pursuit of success. With younger drivers like Chase Briscoe emerging as strong challengers within Joe Gibbs Racing, the internal rivalry is likely to intensify, offering fans thrilling battles in upcoming races.
Hamlin’s blend of experience, skill, and resilience positions him as a central figure in the sport’s narrative for the remainder of the season. His ability to juggle media obligations—such as race-day broadcasting—and deliver winning performances will continue to pique interest both on and off the track, setting the stage for an exciting stretch in NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series back in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. He has achieved an impressive career with 51 Cup Series victories. He has also won the Daytona 500 three times, in 2016, 2019, and 2020, and has earned millions over the years.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. As a child, she loved dancing and later performed for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats team. That team is now called the Charlotte Hornets. During one of her performances at a Bobcats game, she met Hamlin.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million from racing, endorsements, team ownership, and real estate investments. He excels in both racing and business ventures, consistently making wise decisions.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a $65 million net worth. He earned over $100 million from NASCAR deals and race winnings. Big companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota support him with endorsements worth millions. Hamlin is also part-owner of 23XI Racing, a team now valued over $100 million.
