As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season nears its climax, Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports has boldly identified Denny Hamlin as his biggest threat in the fight for the championship. Despite Hamlin’s ups and downs this season, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran is still considered a formidable force in the title chase by the consistently dominant Larson.
At the start of the season, many expected the battle to be between Hamlin and Larson, but while Hamlin’s performance has wavered at times, Larson and his teammate William Byron have solidified their positions as top contenders. However, Larson is not dismissing Hamlin, especially as the series heads into the final four races, venues where the No. 11 FedEx car has traditionally been strong.
“Denny could win at any of these next tracks,” Larson admitted when asked about his biggest rivals. “When you look at the speed, he’s right there with us. William Byron has been ‘sneaky good,’ and Ryan Blaney too, but if I had to pick one guy to watch out for, it’s Denny. All season, it’s been him and me as the fastest and most consistent.”
Larson’s praise for Hamlin is no small compliment. The 23XI Racing co-owner has had a standout career, yet the elusive Cup championship continues to evade him, earning him the unfortunate title of the best driver without a championship. This pressure mounts as time ticks down on the veteran’s career, with many—including NASCAR legend Jeff Burton—acknowledging the potential pain Hamlin could feel if he never claims the coveted trophy.
“It’s hard to get over not winning a championship,” Burton said, reflecting on his own experience of falling short. “For Denny, that’s the one thing left for him to achieve. He says it doesn’t define his career, but I can tell you from personal experience, it’s a hard pill to swallow.”
As the pressure builds, Hamlin’s ability to rise to the occasion in the remaining races will determine if he can finally secure the championship that has long eluded him. With Larson labeling him as the top contender, all eyes will be on Hamlin to see if he can match the pace and consistency of the No. 5 Chevy and end his title drought in 2024.
The final races are set to be a showdown of the sport’s finest, and if Larson’s assessment holds true, Denny Hamlin could be poised to make his strongest bid yet for NASCAR’s ultimate prize.
