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Snubbed Again: Why Denny Hamlin Isn’t in Fans’ 2025 Championship 4 Predictions

David Castro by David Castro
January 12, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Joe Gibbs Racing’s 2025 Overhaul: Can New Sponsors and Shakeups Restore Glory? $12.41 Billion Company’s Chosen Driver Leaked

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Denny Hamlin is a NASCAR enigma. With 58 Cup Series wins, a Hall of Fame-worthy career, and a knack for clutch performances, he’s one of the sport’s modern icons. But as the 2025 season approaches, NASCAR fans seem to have made up their minds: Hamlin, once again, isn’t in their Championship 4 predictions.

When NASCAR’s official Instagram asked fans to weigh in on their 2025 Championship 4 picks, Hamlin’s name was glaringly absent from the top responses. Instead, drivers like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, and Tyler Reddick dominated the conversation. The omission stings, especially considering Hamlin’s stellar 2024 season, where he notched multiple wins and a deep playoff run. So why are fans so quick to overlook one of the sport’s most consistent performers?

The Championship Void: A Stubborn Narrative

Hamlin’s lack of a Cup Series championship is the most obvious reason for his exclusion. In NASCAR, the championship is the ultimate measure of greatness, and for some fans, Hamlin’s inability to seal the deal is a glaring weakness. Despite coming close multiple times, including heartbreaking near-misses, the 42-year-old still finds himself chasing the elusive title.

The championship drought is amplified by the success of his peers. Kyle Larson, a fan favorite, has not only clinched a championship but continues to deliver jaw-dropping performances across every track type. Joey Logano, who secured his third title in 2024, and rising stars like Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick have also shown the ability to shine under postseason pressure. In comparison, Hamlin’s resume feels incomplete to some fans.

A Love-Hate Relationship with Fans

Hamlin’s polarizing persona doesn’t help. Known for his outspoken nature and on-track aggressiveness, Hamlin has often clashed with rivals and, by extension, their fanbases. While his confidence resonates with some, it alienates others, leaving him in a strange limbo of admiration and disdain.

In contrast, drivers like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson command near-universal fan support. Elliott, NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for several years running, boasts a loyal fanbase that roots for him no matter his form. Larson’s sheer dominance and versatility across disciplines have earned him widespread respect. Hamlin, meanwhile, faces skepticism even when performing at his peak.

The Drivers Fans Are Betting On

Kyle Larson tops nearly every fan prediction for 2025, and it’s no surprise why. With six wins in 2024, including a dominant performance at the Bristol Night Race, Larson’s adaptability and relentless pursuit of victory make him a Championship 4 lock in the eyes of fans.

Christopher Bell, coming off a strong 2024 season with three wins and deep playoff consistency, has cemented his status as a postseason ace. His return to dirt racing and standout performances at events like the Chili Bowl Nationals have only added to his momentum.

Chase Elliott, the people’s champion, rebounded from a rocky 2023 to deliver a solid 2024 campaign, capped by a win at Texas Motor Speedway. His massive fanbase ensures his inclusion in almost every conversation about championship contenders.

Tyler Reddick, the rising star, continues to dazzle with his aggressive driving style and ability to find speed in unexpected places. A clutch playoff performer, Reddick’s near-miss in the 2024 championship has only strengthened his fan support.

Other contenders like Joey Logano, William Byron, and Ross Chastain also made fan lists, with Logano’s 2024 title and Byron’s Daytona 500 triumph keeping them firmly in the spotlight.

Is Hamlin Being Overlooked?

For all the fan doubt, Hamlin’s resume speaks for itself. He’s a perennial playoff contender, thrives under pressure, and remains one of the sharpest minds in the sport. His 2024 season showcased his consistency, but the absence of a championship casts a shadow that fans can’t ignore.

Hamlin’s exclusion from fan predictions may be harsh, but it’s also a testament to NASCAR’s incredible depth of talent. The 2025 season promises to be a battleground for established champions, fan favorites, and rising stars. If Hamlin wants to silence his critics, there’s only one way to do it: win the Cup Series championship and rewrite his legacy.

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