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Charlotte, NC – Denny Hamlin, a perennial contender in the NASCAR Cup Series, has officially confirmed his intention to compete through the 2026 season, a commitment made public following a gut-wrenching championship loss at Phoenix Raceway. The veteran driver, driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), revealed on his podcast, "Actions Detrimental," that the sting of the 2023 finale was so profound that victory would have spurred an immediate retirement, had it been within his grasp.
"Listen, I would have begged Joe (Gibbs) to let me quit had I won that race," Hamlin stated on his podcast. "I would have. I would have, just because it would have been the perfect way for me to go out." This candid admission underscores the immense pressure and emotional toll associated with chasing NASCAR’s ultimate prize, particularly for a driver in the latter stages of his illustrious career. Hamlin, now 45, acknowledged that his current contract extends two more years beyond 2024, but the prospect of ending his career on a championship high was a powerful temptation.
The circumstances of the 2023 championship decider at Phoenix Raceway remain a significant point of discussion. Hamlin led an impressive 208 of the 312 laps, dominating the race for much of its duration. However, a critical pit road decision during a late-race caution period proved to be his undoing. In overtime, Hamlin lost track position and was ultimately unable to recover, finishing behind race winner Kyle Larson. This outcome marked another chapter in Hamlin’s ongoing quest for his first Cup Series title, a pursuit that has seen him come close on multiple occasions but always fall short of the ultimate glory.
Hamlin’s decision to continue racing is also influenced by upcoming changes to the NASCAR Cup Series format. While not explicitly detailed in the original report, the implication is that NASCAR is exploring modifications to the championship structure, moving away from the winner-take-all, single-race playoff format that has been a source of contention for many drivers, including Hamlin. "It doesn’t make me want to race right now in this moment anymore," Hamlin admitted, referencing the immediate aftermath of the season. "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." The prospect of a more balanced season-long points system or a revised playoff structure may offer a more appealing competitive landscape for Hamlin.
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Despite the emotional weight of the championship loss and the personal challenges he is navigating, Hamlin has already begun fulfilling his obligations for the upcoming season. He has participated in sponsorship events for Joe Gibbs Racing and is slated to return to the iconic No. 11 car for the season opener at Bowman Gray Stadium in February. This commitment signifies his dedication to the team and the sport, even as he grapples with a demanding personal life.
The 2023 season has been particularly taxing for Hamlin on multiple fronts. Beyond the intense racing schedule, he has been dealing with his father’s terminal illness, actively involved in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, and managing the responsibilities of a growing family. "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."
The relentless pressure of professional racing, compounded by these external factors, has led Hamlin to contemplate the long-term physical and mental toll of his career. "That all, I don’t know, I just feel like I’m doing damage to my internals that I don’t know about," he confessed. "Does that make any sense? You can’t just have all the stress and it not eventually take a toll." This introspection highlights a broader conversation within motorsports about driver well-being and the sustainability of demanding professional careers.
Despite the personal struggles and the championship disappointment, Hamlin believes the aftermath of the Phoenix race has fostered a newfound respect from both his competitors and the fanbase. Historically, Hamlin has been a polarizing figure in NASCAR, often drawing both fervent support and significant criticism. However, his dignified response to his latest championship near-miss has seemingly resonated with a wider audience, even eliciting empathy from those who have often been critical of his on-track persona.
"I think that the fans made it a lot easier," Hamlin stated, acknowledging the outpouring of support. "I mean, the competitors made it easier. You know, 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’s generous praise for Larson, the 2023 champion, underscores his sportsmanship and his understanding of the competitive nature of NASCAR.
He continued, "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." This acknowledgment of Larson’s victory and his team’s strategic decisions demonstrates Hamlin’s mature perspective on the outcome, recognizing that the championship was earned through a season-long effort and a decisive move in the final race.
Joe Gibbs Racing, a powerhouse in NASCAR, has consistently fielded competitive machinery, and Hamlin’s continued presence in the No. 11 car is a testament to his enduring skill and the team’s commitment to contending for championships. While the exact timeline for his eventual retirement remains fluid, Hamlin’s confirmation for 2026 signals his intent to remain a significant force in the Cup Series for the foreseeable future, with the ultimate goal of capturing that elusive championship title. The coming seasons will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest as Hamlin navigates personal challenges and continues his pursuit of NASCAR immortality.
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