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Each season, questions arise about whether Denny Hamlin can finally win the championship. The experienced NASCAR driver has been striving for the title for several seasons, and he is often considered the most successful NASCAR driver without a championship. The criticism he faces year after year can certainly be frustrating, but Hamlin is known for handling such critics with the right response.
The 43-year-old driver recently sent an interesting message via social media. In a video clip, Hamlin is seen with a sign that reads: “Please don’t ask him if it’s his year. It’s always ‘his year.’” This season, Hamlin has faced numerous challenges, with a massive setback being the penalty from last month. This penalty, related to NASCAR engine inspection requirements that his team failed to meet, has cost him dearly. As a result, Hamlin will start the playoffs from the sixth position.
In a recent media interview, Hamlin addressed the penalty and discussed whether it would serve as a motivational factor. Given his long tenure in NASCAR, Hamlin knows how to handle such situations. While losing points is never easy and can be frustrating, he understands that there’s not much he can change at this point.
“I think it will if it has a positive outcome. I really can’t honestly say to you that it was something that we rallied around. I mean, certainly, it took away 15 points when you add it all up in the regular season as well. Fifteen points every round that we lost. That’s something that’s really going to be hard to overcome, but we can. I know that we can."-he said, as quoted by On3.
At 43 years old, Denny Hamlin has faced many similar situations throughout his career. He hopes that his team will be able to find their rhythm during the playoffs and make a strong push for the championship. Winning the championship amidst numerous challenges and obstacles is certainly a huge achievement. However, Hamlin knows that it won’t be an easy task. He understands that many factors need to align perfectly, along with his exceptional performances, if he is to achieve his goal of becoming a champion.
"So, that’s the good news. If we are able to find ourselves making it through these first two, three rounds and have a shot at it – at Phoenix I should say, then that’s going to be a very rewarding feeling. And, so, if there’s ever a year to win it, do it when there’s the most adversity on the line.”- he continued.
Hamlin is determined to stay motivated, but he stresses that winning the championship will be difficult. He explained that having fewer Playoff points and competing on tracks where outcomes are not entirely within his control puts him in a challenging position. Despite these difficulties, he is committed to doing his best and plans to approach each race with the same mindset: to aim for victory every week.
Fans of this experienced driver believe that he has the potential to write history and finally defeat the critics. The competition is fierce. It seems that we have never seen so many interesting names at the top, and drivers who can win the championship at any moment. It is difficult to make real predictions about what the next races will bring.
Denny Hamlin on winning the championship
Back in April of this year, Denny Hamlin expressed confidence in his ability to achieve success. He pointed out that there have been less accomplished drivers in NASCAR who have managed to win the championship. Hamlin holds this view based on various experiences and developments throughout his career.
However, the popular driver prefers not to place too much emphasis on winning the championship. He stresses that achieving victories and consistently performing well each season is more important than simply winning the championship and then disappearing from the NASCAR scene.
“Listen, I know that I’m a championship-caliber driver. I’ll just say it. I think there’s been worse drivers win a championship than me. I just feel that way just because of things that have worked out.
It’s different. Find one driver saying that championships are the same as they were 10 years ago, it’s just not. I care about wins and winning every single week because in the end I absolutely would take 60-some wins and no championship over 20 and one. It’s just not even close."- he said.
The 43-year-old knows that winning the championship would be a huge ego boost for him, but the question is whether he can make a breakthrough this year and remain in history. NASCAR fans have different opinions about his chances, but we have an exciting playoff ahead of us, that's for sure
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