Denny Hamlin’s professional racing career teeters precariously on the edge of retirement. His once sparkling record is now riddled with missed opportunities, dwindling sponsorships, and a conspicuous absence of victories. Notably, Kevin Harvick believes Hamlin’s days in the winner’s circle may be numbered, as the clock on his career ticks ominously.
Harvick, a seasoned racing veteran, voiced his observations about Hamlin’s situation at the recent Phoenix race. Reading between the lines of Hamlin’s praise for his team, Joe Gibbs Racing, Harvick pointed out a sense of unease. He believes Hamlin is growing increasingly aware of his dwindling chances to not only secure race wins but also clinch that long-awaited championship.
As Harvick highlighted, the looming shadow of retirement can often lead to a downward spiral. The possibility of Hamlin’s retirement could dissuade top talent from joining his team, dampen their motivation, and strain their efforts. Hamlin’s failure to seize the moment, particularly at the Phoenix race, only amplified the whispers of concern surrounding his recent form and future prospects.
But the pressure doesn’t stop there. The loss of FedEx, one of Hamlin’s major sponsors, and the internal reshuffling within Joe Gibbs Racing, which resulted in Hamlin’s long-time crew chief being reassigned, have only compounded Hamlin’s troubles. His stark lack of victories, with his last win dating back to April 2024 at the Würth 400, is glaring. His performance in the 2025 season hasn’t been promising either, with disappointing finishes at COTA and Daytona, and a narrow loss at Phoenix.
Harvick opined that Hamlin’s chances to seize victories and position himself for another championship are dwindling. Despite his impressive track record, which includes qualifying for the NASCAR Playoffs in 13 of his 14 full seasons and narrowly missing out on the series title in 2010, Hamlin has yet to lay his hands on the championship trophy.
Hamlin himself has acknowledged his winless streak, lamenting the decrease in his car’s speed as the season has progressed. Added to this is a simmering rivalry with Christopher Bell at Joe Gibbs Racing, adding another layer of tension to an already challenging situation.
As Hamlin embarks on his 19th full season, he’s publicly set his sights on achieving 60 Cup Series race wins, with his current tally standing at 54. Winning a championship would be the cherry on top of his career. However, Harvick’s comments underscore the pressing need for Hamlin to start raking in victories soon if he wants to keep his dreams alive.
But there’s one hurdle that’s been a constant thorn in Hamlin’s side – Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Despite numerous attempts and notable successes elsewhere, victory at the Las Vegas race eludes Hamlin. His track record here hovers around an average 13.6 finish, his best being third place. In the 2024 season, he managed an eighth-place finish, despite leading four laps.
With the 2025 season underway, all eyes are on Hamlin. Will he finally triumph at Las Vegas, breaking the curse that seems to have plagued his career? Should he manage this feat, it could be a turning point, not only for this season but also for his legacy. A legacy of a driver who consistently came close to victory but never quite clinched that elusive championship. Only time will tell if Hamlin can regain his form and silence his critics as the 2025 season progresses.