Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, often hailed as the greatest NASCAR driver without a championship, has a staggering 60+ Cup Series wins to his name. While many chase the elusive championship title, Hamlin recently opened up about his preference for race wins over a singular season crown, highlighting the ever-evolving playoff format and his deep-seated belief in his capabilities.
Hamlin, a first-ballot Hall of Famer in the making, has never shied away from expressing his discontent with NASCAR’s current Chase format, which he feels has often worked against him. The three-time Daytona 500 winner boldly stated that some championship winners during his time on the circuit were not necessarily better drivers than him, attributing his lack of titles to the playoff system rather than his skill.
“I know I’m a championship-caliber driver,” Hamlin stated unapologetically. “I’ll just say it: I think there have been worse drivers than me who won a championship. I feel that way just because of how things have worked out. It’s different now.”
Hamlin’s confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level is undeniable, and he believes that the championship format diminishes the true essence of a driver’s consistency and skill. For Hamlin, the value of winning consistently each week outweighs the single accolade of a championship, especially in today’s unpredictable playoff environment.
“Find one driver saying that championships are the same now as they were 10 years ago,” Hamlin continued. “I care about wins and winning every single week because in the end I absolutely would take 60-some wins and no championship over 20 wins and one championship. It’s just not even close.”
Hamlin’s journey in the 2024 playoffs started strong, but a poor performance in the opening race threatened his title hopes. However, his stunning comeback at Bristol, where he clinched a crucial P4 finish, demonstrated the resilience and racing prowess that has defined his career. Hamlin’s ability to rise under pressure has drawn praise from racing legends, including former racer Richard Petty, who believes the JGR veteran is back in the championship hunt.
“Denny freaking Hamlin. That’s what it was all about,” Petty remarked. “They had to make something happen after the first two poor performances in this round. He went out, got his stage points in Stage 1, got his stage points in Stage 2, and did what he needed to do. That is what a champion team does and that is what a champion does.”
Petty’s endorsement underscores the belief that Hamlin, despite his past playoff misfortunes, is far from out of the title fight. With momentum on his side, Hamlin now faces a critical test in the Round of 12, where he must capitalize on his recent success to advance further.
As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on Denny Hamlin to see if he can finally secure the championship that has eluded him for so long. But regardless of the outcome, Hamlin’s legacy as one of NASCAR’s most prolific winners is already cemented, proving that sometimes, consistent triumphs on the track mean more than a solitary championship trophy.
