The 2024 NASCAR season finale marked the end of an era with Martin Truex Jr. stepping away from full-time racing. Truex’s retirement has left fans and the NASCAR paddock reflecting on a shifting guard at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), where veteran Denny Hamlin is now one of the sport’s elder statesmen. But as Truex exits, Hamlin is weighing his own future in NASCAR with no clear retirement timeline.
“Hamlin on Retirement: ‘I Still Feel Like I Can Win Every Week’”
Speaking on his Dirty Mo Media podcast, Actions Detrimental, Hamlin, the driver of the No. 11 Toyota, shared his thoughts on retirement. While he recognizes the inevitability of stepping away, Hamlin emphasized that his competitive spirit and confidence in his abilities continue to drive him.
“Surely one day there will be a light switch that flips on that I’m no longer as quick as I was,” Hamlin said. “But I still feel like I can win it, and I feel like I can win every week, and that’s what drives me.”
For Hamlin, competition is not just a motivator—it’s a way of life. Whether on the racetrack, the golf course, or the basketball court, his passion for winning remains unshaken.
“I love the competition, and that’s how I get my fill,” Hamlin explained. “Y’all asked me on the plane, would ownership fill that? If I stopped racing, would ownership fill my competitive bucket?”
“23XI Racing: Hamlin’s Post-Racing Future”
Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan, sees team ownership as a natural continuation of his career. Building the team from the ground up has been a source of immense pride for Hamlin, who has been deeply involved in everything from strategy to driver development.
“I take a ton of pride in being the owner of 23XI knowing that I had my hands in all parts of building this team from scratch,” Hamlin said. “From competition, challenging the crew chiefs and the engineers on their thinking, the drivers on their techniques—it’s been rewarding.”
Hamlin credits the strong team at 23XI Racing for giving him the freedom to focus on his driving career while planning for the long term. However, he admitted that the transition to full-time ownership won’t be seamless.
“It’s still different than doing it yourself,” he noted. “I think I would struggle with that part of it… and I’ve always heard people say, ‘When those that choose to retire, they know.’ I’m not in the know.”
“Hamlin’s Competitive Clock”
At 43 years old, Hamlin isn’t showing signs of slowing down. Unlike Truex, who steps away after feeling ready to move on, Hamlin is thriving on the track and still sees himself as a title contender. His decision to continue racing hinges on his confidence in staying competitive.
“I’ll race as long as I feel confident about winning races on the track,” Hamlin stated. “When I no longer feel like I can compete at the top level, that’ll be the moment I step away.”
“What’s Next for Hamlin and JGR?”
As NASCAR enters a new chapter without Truex, Hamlin remains one of the sport’s defining figures. With a potential half-decade of racing still ahead, fans can expect more intense battles from the No. 11 Toyota. Simultaneously, Hamlin’s dual role as a driver and owner ensures his legacy will endure beyond his driving days.
“I’m confident that ownership with 23XI Racing will keep me competitive when I’m no longer racing,” Hamlin said. “It’s a natural extension of what I’ve always loved about this sport.”
For now, Hamlin remains laser-focused on racing, determined to add more wins and championships to his illustrious career. But as the sport evolves and its veterans move on, the question of Hamlin’s retirement looms larger with each passing season.
