Denny Hamlin, the seasoned driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, is widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s greatest racers never to win a championship—a claim that places him above other notable names like Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. With a decorated career spanning two decades, Hamlin boasts 54 victories, including three prestigious Daytona 500 wins, solidifying his place among NASCAR’s elite.
In a recent interview, Hamlin opened up about his perspective on his lack of a championship, emphasizing that while the title would be a nice addition, it’s not his main priority. For Hamlin, climbing higher on the all-time wins list holds more significance than capturing the elusive NASCAR Cup Series championship.
“I’m just going to do the best that I can, and try to go and get as many wins as I can before my career is over,” Hamlin said. “That’s ultimately the list that I really, really care about, because the drivers that are in it are just the most elite. So, that’s my goal, and I’ve got plenty of time to get to the accomplishments that I want, and a Cup championship would just add to that.”
Although Hamlin is focused on race wins, he’s still hungry for a championship and has his sights set on the 2024 title. Despite early struggles in the Round of 16, he has bounced back and remains a formidable contender, posing the biggest threat to Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott.
While he admits he is slightly desperate to cap off his career with a championship, Hamlin remains at peace with the possibility of never winning it. He noted that his desire to win is as much for his family and friends as it is for himself, but he won’t let the lack of a title define him.
“I mean, it certainly would be such a big deal for me, my family. I want it for my dad, I’ve said it many times, I want it for my family and friends, as much as I want it for me… I’m going to be fine, regardless of the outcome, and I’m going to be okay, no matter what happens,” Hamlin shared.
Hamlin’s comments underscore his already stellar legacy. Even without a championship, his career is undoubtedly first-ballot Hall of Fame-worthy. He has proven time and again that he is better than some past NASCAR champions and continues to make a significant impact on the sport, not only as a driver but also as a team owner, solidifying his place among NASCAR’s all-time greats.
