AVONDALE, Ariz. — Denny Hamlin is on the verge of potentially breaking free from the title of NASCAR’s greatest driver to never secure a championship, as he prepares for the winner-take-all finale at Phoenix Raceway. This marks Hamlin’s 20th full season in NASCAR, and he has secured the pole position for Sunday’s crucial race. The championship will be awarded to the highest finisher among Hamlin, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe, and Hendrick Motorsports drivers William Byron and Kyle Larson.
Hamlin heads into the decisive race after having a standout season, winning a series-high six races, with his recent victory at Las Vegas marking the 60th of his career. This landmark win not only guaranteed his spot in the championship finale but also allowed him to prepare more thoroughly over the last few weeks. He expressed relief and confidence going into the race, highlighting that the prior win gave him more time to work on both his car and mindset. “I think the benefit was winning in Vegas because I was able to get so much work done before this week,” he said.
The atmosphere around Hamlin is buoyant, accompanied by friends and family who have traveled to support him, as he revels in the excitement leading up to perhaps the most significant race of his career. Despite the positivity surrounding him, Hamlin acknowledges the pressure, remembering his past disappointments in championship races. “You can only help the things that you can control,” he stated, emphasizing his focus on managing the race.
Hamlin’s stature within the sport and his past near misses in championship runs have made him a sympathetic favorite among fans and competitors alike. Larson noted the appealing story arc around Hamlin, saying, “It would be really cool to see somebody who has put in so much time to this sport and been so close so many times.” Briscoe echoed this sentiment, wishing for Hamlin to secure the title for his legacy as a driver.
This year’s final race also comes with a backdrop of change for Hamlin, including his offseason crew chief swap which he initially opposed. Despite his reservations, new crew chief Chris Gayle has quickly navigated his role, bringing Hamlin’s car to the final four for the first time and potentially steering him toward his long-sought title.
Hamlin’s 60th career victory has placed him in a tie for 10th on the all-time wins list, a personal milestone against the backdrop of his championship aspirations. With a sense of urgency heightened by his father’s health issues, Hamlin revealed a deeper motivation: “I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment.”
As the race draws near, all eyes will be on Hamlin, who is poised not just to chase a championship but to etch his name in NASCAR history.