rifan muazinCharlotte, NC – Denny Hamlin has officially confirmed his intention to continue competing in the NASCAR Cup Series through the 2026 season, a decision made amidst the lingering sting of a narrowly missed championship at Phoenix Raceway. The veteran driver, a consistent contender for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), revealed his plans on the latest episode of his podcast, "Actions Detrimental," offering candid insights into his emotional state following the season finale and his outlook on his racing future.
Hamlin, who has been a prominent figure in the Cup Series for nearly two decades, admitted that had he secured his elusive first championship at Phoenix, his inclination would have been to retire immediately. "I would have begged Joe (Gibbs) to let me quit had I won that race," Hamlin stated. "I would have, just because it would have been the perfect way for me to go out." He acknowledged that the team would require time to establish a succession plan, and that a definitive timeline for his eventual departure has been discussed. "We know what the lifeline left," he added, indicating a clear understanding of his remaining racing years.
The disappointment of the Phoenix race, where Hamlin led a significant portion of the event (208 of 312 laps) before losing the lead in overtime due to a critical pit road decision, has clearly weighed on him. This outcome has amplified discussions surrounding the championship format, particularly with NASCAR indicating potential adjustments for the upcoming season. While Hamlin conceded that the format of the championship race itself was not the primary driver of his decision to continue, he expressed a need for a period of respite from the sport. "It doesn’t make me want to race right now in this moment anymore," he said. "The offseason is still so fresh, I want nothing to do with racing right now. I’ve got to get some more time."
Despite these reservations, Hamlin has already fulfilled sponsorship obligations for Joe Gibbs Racing and is slated to return to the driver’s seat of the No. 11 Toyota Camry when the 2024 season commences. The upcoming season is scheduled to begin with the Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in early February, a departure from the traditional Daytona 500 opener.
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The 2023 season presented Hamlin with a multitude of personal and professional challenges that extended beyond the racetrack. His father has been dealing with a terminal illness, and Hamlin is concurrently involved in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. Coupled with his age, 45, and the inherent demands of top-tier professional racing, Hamlin described the year as "taxing." He expressed concern about the long-term physical toll that the relentless pressure of his career might be taking. "I just feel like I’m doing damage to my internals that I don’t know about," he remarked. "You can’t just have all the stress and it not eventually take a toll."
Despite the personal tribulations and the championship setback, Hamlin noted a positive shift in how he is perceived by his peers and the fanbase. Historically a polarizing figure in NASCAR, Hamlin believes that his recent championship defeat garnered a degree of empathy, even from those who have been critical of him in the past. He specifically lauded the sportsmanship displayed by 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. "I got to give so much appreciation to Kyle Larson and how gracious he was during all this," Hamlin stated. "He did nothing wrong. His team knew that they had to do something to try to win. You know, they played the game as it was meant to be played. So, we definitely have a deserving champion in the 5 team, they scored more points than anyone else the entire year. There’s, you know, I don’t think anyone should ever question the deservingness of Kyle Larson’s championship because he definitely did."
Larson, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, secured his second Cup Series title by winning the season finale at Phoenix Raceway. His victory marked a culmination of a strong season for the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team, who strategically navigated the playoff system to reach and win the championship race.
Denny Hamlin’s career statistics are notable, including 51 Cup Series wins, 370 top-10 finishes, and 16 Daytona 500 starts with one victory in 2016. He has been a consistent playoff contender for JGR, a team that has achieved considerable success in NASCAR’s premier series. The team, owned by Joe Gibbs, has secured multiple Cup Series championships with drivers like Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, and Kyle Busch.
Hamlin’s commitment through 2026 suggests he will remain a significant presence in the Cup Series for the foreseeable future, continuing to vie for the championship title he has so keenly pursued. His statements underscore the immense pressure and emotional toll that professional motorsport exacts, while also highlighting his resilience and dedication to the sport. The upcoming seasons will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest as Hamlin navigates the final chapters of a decorated career, all while facing significant personal challenges and the ongoing evolution of the NASCAR landscape.
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