Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR championship hopes are gaining momentum as he prepares for his 21st season in the Cup Series, coming off a razor-close loss in the 2025 title race at Phoenix Raceway. As anticipation builds, expectations are once again high for Hamlin and the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team to deliver multiple victories and chase the elusive Cup championship.
Fresh Motivation after a Near Miss
Hamlin approaches the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with renewed determination. Having come within just three laps of clinching his first-ever Cup championship in 2025, he now arrives at this season free from off-track distractions, notably the resolved court dispute between 23XI Racing—where Hamlin serves as co-owner—and NASCAR. This change allows the seasoned winner to focus purely on racing and performance.
The heartbreak from last year provides powerful drive for the 45-year-old veteran. Hamlin’s career has spanned two decades, and his commitment to finally securing the championship remains undiminished. The challenge is substantial, but his near-victory in 2025 reinforces the belief that a title is within reach.
Partnering with Crew Chief Chris Gayle
An essential component to Hamlin’s resurgence is his partnership with crew chief Chris Gayle. Gayle, who joined Hamlin on the box in 2025, previously found success in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, claiming the 2022 championship with Ty Gibbs. He helped guide Gibbs through his rookie seasons in the Cup Series, building a strong reputation in the garage.
Last season marked a breakout year for Gayle at the Cup Series level, and the synergy between Gayle and Hamlin quickly became apparent. Together, they achieved six wins in 2025 and consistently demonstrated the speed necessary to lead races—Hamlin led 1,024 laps throughout the season, his highest total since 2021. This formidable pairing has contributed to establishing Hamlin as a constant threat to win, week after week.
Sustained High-Level Performance and Experience
Denny Hamlin’s track record speaks for itself. Since 2019, he has posted multiple victories each year and has now accumulated over 60 Cup Series wins in his career. Though inconsistencies in finishes occurred in 2025, they rarely stemmed from a lack of pace, highlighting Hamlin’s enduring competitiveness at the highest level of stock car racing.
Mentions of other notable figures, like NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin—who, like Hamlin, hails from the same region—underscore the established racing pedigree associated with Hamlin’s journey. The environment within Joe Gibbs Racing, the experience of competing alongside names like Ty Gibbs, and the collective desire within the garage reinforce a strong foundation for championship aspirations.
Outlook for the Upcoming Season
Looking ahead to 2026, Hamlin is widely tipped to remain a front-runner for race victories and the Cup Series title, as expectations align with his proven ability and the momentum gathered with Gayle. The end of off-track drama, combined with Hamlin’s sustained excellence and drive, primes both team and driver for a strong championship campaign.
If the trend of high performance continues, Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing could finally turn persistent championship hopes into reality, rewriting the story at the front of the NASCAR Cup Series.
