Denny Hamlin: From Villain to Fan Favorite in a Stunning Turn of Events!
In a jaw-dropping twist that has motorsport fans buzzing, Denny Hamlin, the notorious NASCAR driver long known for igniting passionate reactions from fans, is shockingly inching closer to becoming America’s new favorite driver! The 44-year-old veteran has made history by securing a spot in the finals of the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Awards, a feat he has never achieved before. This week, Hamlin proudly finds himself among the top five vote-getters, marking a significant turning point in his career.
“It’s shocking,” Hamlin candidly admitted during a media event at the NASCAR Championship Media Day held at Phoenix Raceway. “I don’t know that I’ve ever been in the top 10. So that in itself was quite a shock. Yeah, I don’t know what’s changed. Certainly do appreciate it.” Fans of the sport know well that Hamlin’s journey to this moment has been tumultuous, marked by his share of controversy and criticism.
For years, Hamlin has faced the ire of fans, frequently being one of the most booed drivers on the circuit. The turning point? A fateful incident back in October 2017 at Martinsville, where he controversially spun Chase Elliott out of the lead, a move that denied Elliott his first Cup victory and a chance to advance in the playoffs. Since then, Hamlin has been synonymous with fan disdain, but recent events are rewriting his narrative.
What’s behind this unexpected surge in popularity? Hamlin attributes it to a combination of factors. In the past year alone, he has solidified his reputation as a respected veteran in the sport while also making headlines for his bold legal action against NASCAR through his team, 23XI Racing, in partnership with Front Row Motorsports. But perhaps the breakthrough moment was last month, when he clinched his 60th career win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Overcome with emotion, Hamlin dedicated the victory to his ailing father, a heartfelt moment that resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.
“I think it’s probably a culmination of all of it,” Hamlin reflected. “Sometimes things are in the moment. Like, I think that one of the defining moments in my popularity was Martinsville 2017. That was with Chase. That was a negative moment for the popularity. I think races like Vegas could sometimes have the opposite effect. People can only understand you for what they see on TV. Sometimes you rub ’em the wrong way, and sometimes they connect with you.”
As the voting proceeds, Hamlin humorously speculated about his chances, predicting, “Probably fifth… as long as those guys keep voting, you never know. I think the chances are slim, but we’ll see.” This year’s competition is stiff, with Chase Elliott, the winner of the award since 2017, still in the running.
Denny Hamlin’s journey from being one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures to potentially claiming a title he never thought possible is nothing short of remarkable. As fans rally their support, the question remains: could this be the year Hamlin finally seizes the coveted title of Most Popular Driver? One thing is for certain—this season, all eyes are on him!
