Will 2025 Be the Year Denny Hamlin Finally Claims NASCAR Glory? Joe Gibbs Weighs In!
In a thrilling revelation that has NASCAR fans buzzing, Joe Gibbs, the esteemed owner of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), has spoken candidly about the monumental quest for a championship title by his star driver, Denny Hamlin. During a post-race interview with Cup Scene, Gibbs addressed the burning question on everyone’s mind: Could this be the year Hamlin finally breaks through and claims his first NASCAR Cup Series Championship?
Hamlin, who showcased his exceptional driving skills by clinching victory at the recent Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway on September 7, 2025, is having a standout season. With an impressive total of 59 career wins, he has also notched up four other victories this year alone, along with an astounding 15 top-ten finishes, 12 top-fives, and three pole positions in just 27 starts. The momentum is palpable, and fans are rightfully optimistic.
When asked by NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass if 2025 could indeed be Hamlin’s championship year, Gibbs responded with enthusiasm, stating, “Yeah, I think, uh, great question there. Uh, we certainly hope so. That’s probably the best guy to ask, but I’ll be in the background cheering.” His words emanate a blend of hope and confidence, reflecting the hard work and dedication Hamlin puts into his craft. “Denny’s work ethic is really impressive. He’ll be in the sim as long as Chris wants him in there. He really works hard at everything,” Gibbs added, emphasizing that Hamlin certainly has the potential to seize the title.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! The recent 240-lap race saw all four JGR drivers finishing in the top ten, a testament to the team’s strength and cohesion on the track. While Hamlin triumphed, his teammate Chase Briscoe clinched the runner-up position, with Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs also making impressive finishes at P7 and P10, respectively. This performance underscores JGR’s dominance and the fierce competitive spirit within the team.
Earlier this year, Gibbs shared his insights on the current state of NASCAR and the desires of its passionate fanbase during an enlightening conversation with NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick on the Happy Hour podcast. Reflecting on the evolution of the sport since JGR’s debut at the 1992 Daytona 500, Gibbs noted the team’s remarkable record of 224 Cup Series victories, 217 wins in the Xfinity Series, and 43 ARCA Menards Series triumphs. He passionately articulated the fans’ yearning for the best drivers to compete every weekend, stating, “That is what our fans want. They want to see somebody for the weekend challenge us.”
As JGR continues to feature four full-time entries in the Cup Series, including Hamlin in the iconic #11 Toyota Camry XSE, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the season heating up and championship aspirations at the forefront, the NASCAR community watches with bated breath. Will this be the year Denny Hamlin etches his name in NASCAR history? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the road to glory is paved with hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of a legendary team. Buckle up, because the race to the championship is on!
