Denny Hamlin, a seasoned driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, is embracing each victory with a heightened sense of urgency as he approaches the end of his racing career. On Sunday, Hamlin secured his fifth win of the 2025 season at the Enjoy Illinois 300, marking his most successful year since winning seven races in 2020. As the oldest full-time driver at 44, he is determined to make every race count before he retires, with his current contract extending through 2027.
Breaking Records While Chasing Milestones
Hamlin’s recent victory at World Wide Technology Raceway not only added to his impressive tally but also pushed Toyota past 200 wins in Cup Series competition. Hamlin alone has contributed 56 wins driving a Toyota Camry. With 59 career victories, he is now just one triumph away from tying Kevin Harvick for 10th place on NASCAR’s all-time wins list. Reaching this milestone is a personal goal for the JGR driver as he aims to retire within the top 10 winners in series history.
Reflecting on the Uncertainty of Retirement
Despite his success, Hamlin remains uncertain about when his final victory or race might occur. After Sunday’s win, he shared,
“You never know when it’s your last. (Gateway) could be my last win… We just never know. I try my best to enjoy the moment and do the best I can to rile up the fans any chance I get.”
This awareness of a closing chapter fuels Hamlin’s focus on making each moment on the track meaningful.
Determined to Finish Strong Without Regrets
At 44 years old, Hamlin is mindful that more of his races lie behind him than ahead. He has expressed a desire to stop driving while still competitive and refuses to approach the last portion of his career without full commitment. “The countdown has begun,” Hamlin admitted, emphasizing his determination to avoid regrets.
“I just don’t want to end knowing, ‘Man, those last 70 races, I didn’t really give it my all. I could have had 70 wins any really buckled down. I’m going to regret one day not having the wins that the work ethic kept me from doing.’”
He also said,
“That would weigh on me well beyond my driving career. 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.”
Wins Over Championships Drive His Ambition
While Hamlin continues to pursue his elusive first NASCAR Cup Series championship, his primary focus remains on accumulating race wins rather than titles. He holds the record for the most Cup Series wins without ever securing a championship. Hamlin explained his mindset by stating,
“It’s always been about number of races (won). The only one I thought about was this year and the Daytona 500, thinking that probably only going to do this twice more. Brickyards, right? I haven’t won the freaking Brickyard.”
He added,
“I’m going to have two more shots at it, and that’s it, to round this thing out. There’s certain races that I do have countdowns for.”
Regarding championships, Hamlin clarified,
“Championships isn’t one of ’em. Obviously it’s well-documented that I want to get the wins, and I feel like that will carry its weight long after.”
What Lies Ahead for Hamlin in NASCAR
Denny Hamlin’s focus on his NASCAR win countdown reflects a deep desire to leave the sport on his terms, driven by measurable achievements rather than solely championship glory. As he races toward what he expects to be his final seasons, each victory becomes more than just a result—it is a testament to his enduring skill and work ethic. Fans and fellow competitors alike will watch closely to see if Hamlin can secure enough wins to solidify his place among the sport’s legends before he steps away from the cockpit.
