rifan muazinCONCORD, NC – Veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin has officially confirmed his intentions to continue competing through the 2026 season, assuaging any speculation about an immediate retirement following another near-miss for the coveted championship. The 43-year-old driver revealed his commitment during a recent episode of his podcast, "Actions Detrimental," detailing the emotional aftermath of the 2023 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
Had Hamlin secured his maiden Cup Series title at Phoenix, a race where he dominated, leading 208 of the 312 laps before a late pit strategy gamble ultimately cost him victory in overtime, he indicated he would have strongly considered stepping away from full-time competition. "I would have begged Joe [Gibbs] to let me quit had I won that race," Hamlin stated candidly. "It would have been the perfect way for me to go out." He acknowledged that his current contract extends beyond 2024, but the allure of ending his career on such a triumphant note was a significant consideration.
The outcome at Phoenix, a track that has historically been a strong performer for Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), undoubtedly amplified the sting of defeat. Hamlin, a consistent contender throughout his career, has amassed 51 wins in the Cup Series, including multiple victories at Phoenix. However, the ultimate prize, the championship trophy, has remained just out of reach, with his closest attempts culminating in runner-up finishes.
The circumstances of the 2023 finale, where a miscalculation on pit road during a late caution period saw him lose track position and the lead, have been a central point of discussion. Hamlin expressed that the intensity of the playoff format, particularly the championship race being decided in a single event, contributed to his emotional response. "It doesn’t make me want to race right now in this moment anymore," he admitted. "They could say 36 races, which they’re not. Get over it, you’re going to get playoffs. But it’s still, the offseason is still so fresh, I want nothing to do with racing right now. I’ve got to get some more time.”
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Despite the lingering disappointment, Hamlin has already begun fulfilling his obligations for the upcoming season, including sponsorship appearances for Joe Gibbs Racing. He is slated to return to the No. 11 Toyota Camry, a car he has driven for JGR since 2006. This continued partnership underscores the enduring relationship between Hamlin and one of NASCAR’s most storied organizations. Joe Gibbs Racing has secured 19 Cup Series championships, and Hamlin’s presence has been a cornerstone of their success in the modern era.
The 2024 season presents a confluence of personal and professional challenges for Hamlin. Beyond his racing career, he is navigating the complexities of his father’s terminal illness, his involvement in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, and the responsibilities that come with being a 45-year-old athlete in a physically demanding sport. "This has been quite the year," Hamlin reflected. "I mean, I’m so looking forward to January 1st. Just because, I mean, obviously this year, I’m on track, off track, ownership, new baby, dad, race for championship, lawsuit. It just was, it was taxing for sure. I don’t think I could redo 2025 again. No way.”
Hamlin also touched upon the physical toll that such a demanding schedule and high-stakes competition can take. "I just feel like I’m doing damage to my internals that I don’t know about," he confided. "You can’t just have all the stress and it not eventually take a toll.”
Despite the personal adversities and the championship setback, Hamlin suggested that the 2023 season may have garnered him a newfound level of respect from his peers and the fanbase. He has historically been a polarizing figure in NASCAR, known for his outspokenness and competitive fire. However, his gracious handling of the championship loss, even from detractors, has been noted.
He specifically acknowledged the sportsmanship displayed by the 2023 Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson. "I got to give so much appreciation to Kyle Larson and how gracious he was during all this. Very humble during all this and certainly during the banquet, giving myself and my team the props that we did deserve in that final race. He did nothing wrong. His team knew that they had to do something to try to win."
Hamlin further elaborated on Larson’s deservingness of the title, stating, "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 in dramatic fashion at Phoenix.
The upcoming 2024 season will mark Hamlin’s 19th full-time campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series. His continued presence at Joe Gibbs Racing solidifies one of the longest-standing driver-team relationships in the sport. While the pursuit of a championship remains his ultimate goal, Hamlin’s commitment through 2026 indicates a desire to continue contributing to JGR’s legacy and competing at the highest level, even as he navigates the various personal and professional demands that define his career. The transition to a new championship format in 2025, which NASCAR has indicated will move away from the winner-take-all format, may also influence the strategic landscape of his later career years.
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