Denny Hamlin, the oldest active driver in the NASCAR Cup Series at 44 years old, continues to display remarkable skill and endurance in the 2025 season, proving that his competitive edge remains sharp. His recent performance in the Kansas races has placed him among legendary figures in NASCAR history, securing his spot as one of the most unstoppable drivers in the sport.
Hamlin’s Enduring Excellence and Unmatched Career Longevity
Despite competing in NASCAR for over two decades, Denny Hamlin has yet to secure a Cup Series championship, yet his legacy is firmly established with 59 race victories to his name. Originating from Florida, Hamlin has claimed wins at several key events, including multiple crown jewel races. In 2025, he has already amassed five victories, making this his most successful season during the next-generation era of NASCAR.
Currently, Hamlin leads all drivers in race wins for the season, a tally that could have increased to six if not for the series of difficulties he encountered during the final stages of the Kansas race. Starting second on the grid, Hamlin dominated by winning both stages, but mechanical issues struck late in the race. A sticking throttle and loss of power steering, combined with a slow pit stop with just twelve laps remaining, pushed him from first to sixth place.
Nevertheless, Hamlin fought back to regain the lead. Unfortunately, on the last lap, the lack of power steering caused him to collide with Bubba Wallace, letting Chase Elliott pass and claim the victory. Hamlin ultimately finished in second place after leading an impressive 159 laps throughout the race.
Crossing Major Career Milestones Amid Challenges
Even with the setback at Kansas, Hamlin achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 16,000 career laps led, becoming only the 12th driver in NASCAR history to reach this benchmark. Following the Kansas event, his total laps led stand at 16,100. The driver before him on this list, Kevin Harvick, led 16,058 laps before ending his Cup career.
The next target for Hamlin is the milestone held by seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, who led 18,941 laps. While closing that gap appears difficult for Hamlin, his position among elite NASCAR drivers such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon, and David Pearson underscores the magnitude of his achievements. Petty remains the all-time leader, with a staggering 51,514 laps led—a record that is likely to remain unbroken.
Hamlin’s efforts at Kansas could have also secured him a coveted place on the top-10 list of winningest NASCAR drivers, had he reached 60 career wins. With just one win shy, the disappointment was evident after such a commanding performance.
Addressing his feelings about narrowly missing the chance to reach 60 wins, Hamlin shared,
Just super disappointing. I wanted it bad. It would have been 60 (wins) for me…just disappointing because I don’t think I’ve ever had a car that good to the competition. Man, I wanted it for my dad. I wanted it for everybody. Just wanted it a little too hard.
– Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Implications for Hamlin’s Season and NASCAR Legacy
The remainder of the 2025 season offers Hamlin additional opportunities to reach new career highs, including breaking into the top 10 of NASCAR’s winningest drivers. His consistent performance and ability to overcome challenges reflect both his resilience and enduring competitive spirit. As a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee in the making, Hamlin’s continued success is likely to enhance his standing within the sport’s history.
This season’s progress signals that Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR dominance remains very much alive, and while challenges continue to arise, his ability to contend for victories and set records shows no signs of fading anytime soon.
With his 90+ laps led today so far, @dennyhamlin has now eclipsed 16,000 laps led in his NASCAR Cup Series career.
He is the 12th driver all-time to accomplish this feat. pic.twitter.com/qBrhsbdCF7
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 28, 2025
