As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season looms, all eyes are on Denny Hamlin and his No. 11 Toyota Camry. With his longtime crew chief promoted to competition director, Hamlin faces a year of transition under new leadership—and possibly, the specter of slowing down as he approaches the twilight of his racing career. Senior NASCAR journalists Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck have weighed in on Hamlin’s prospects, sparking a lively debate about the veteran’s chances of continuing his winning ways.
“Hamlin Still Has More in the Tank” – Bianchi’s Optimism
Jordan Bianchi, co-host of The Teardown podcast, expressed confidence that Hamlin still has the ability to grab at least one more win in 2025. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new crew chief and a competitive field, Bianchi believes Hamlin’s skill and experience give him a fighting chance.
“No. He’s got one, he’s got at least one more in him… At least one more.”
Hamlin’s adaptability and proven record in high-pressure situations, including three Daytona 500 wins, give hope to fans that his name will grace Victory Lane again.
“Is 2024 Hamlin’s Final Hurrah?” – Gluck’s Cautious Outlook
Jeff Gluck, however, took a more skeptical approach. Highlighting Hamlin’s struggles in the latter half of 2024, Gluck suggested that the upcoming season might mark the end of Hamlin’s winning streak.
“Yeah, I think it depends on how this year goes, right? Because… we’ve had situations where we definitely didn’t see it coming in terms of, like, somebody’s last career win, and we were caught off guard. That could very well be the case.”
Gluck’s perspective reflects the unpredictability of NASCAR, where even the most seasoned drivers can suddenly find themselves on the decline.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Challenges
Both Bianchi and Gluck acknowledged the uphill battle Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) faces in 2025. The organization went winless in the second half of 2024, a concerning statistic for one of NASCAR’s powerhouse teams. Gluck emphasized the urgency within JGR to rediscover their competitive edge, especially under the new Next-Gen car rules.
“Are they going to come out of the gate and be a winning organization again and have that speed early in the season? If not… you have Hamlin with a new crew chief.”
The new crew chief’s ability to gel quickly with Hamlin will be critical. JGR’s struggles in 2024 mean every team within the organization will be fighting to reclaim dominance, putting additional pressure on Hamlin to perform.
A Career at a Crossroads
Hamlin’s situation mirrors that of many veteran drivers who face diminishing returns as their careers wind down. But with 50 career wins and a reputation for excelling under pressure, the 43-year-old racer has defied expectations before. The big question remains: Can he adapt to the changes and make 2025 another winning season?
Fan Expectations for 2025
For Hamlin loyalists, 2025 represents a pivotal year. A victory would solidify his status as one of NASCAR’s enduring greats, while a winless campaign might signal the beginning of the end for his illustrious career. With NASCAR’s unpredictable nature, anything is possible, and Hamlin’s journey will be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
Stay tuned—the No. 11 car might just have a few surprises left in store.
