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Denny Hamlin did not achieve the goal he envisioned, and many believe it is natural for him to think about the next steps in his career. One of the greatest NASCAR drivers never manages to silence the critics and win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship. After he was close to such success this season, but unfortunately failed, fans expect that Hamlin might consider retirement.
The Actions Detrimental podcast was an opportunity for the great driver to reveal to fans if he ever thinks about retirement, the experienced driver admitted that such thoughts come to him, but mostly after a race, when he feels the pain in his body. His passion and love for NASCAR, however, is greater than anything, so Hamlin quickly forgot about the pain and difficulties, focusing already on the next race.
“Only on Mondays when I feel like *. I have a bad race, my body hurts, and it’s like, uh, man,” Denny Hamlin said. “But every Sunday, I get in that car and I’m like, ‘I got a chance to win.’ And that’s just something that’s going to be hard for me to give up."- Denny Hamlin said, as quoted by On3.
The 43-year-old is aware that one day he will realize that he doesn't have the weapon he used to have and that it will be necessary for him to end his career. In the moments when he feels healthy, motivated, and great, Hamlin still wants to be a part of this sport.
NASCAR drivers, and many athletes, have a hunger for success. Being part of the NASCAR scene for years, competing and striving for victories, is something that is hard to leave. Leading one system of life, and then making sudden changes, is not something that is easy to get used to.
"Surely one day there will be a light switch that flips on that I’m no longer as quick as I was and things like that, but I still feel like I can win it, and I feel like I can win every week and that’s what drives me. Those that know me or play golf with me or play basketball with me knows I love the competition and it’s how I get my fill. And y’all asked me on the plane, would ownership fill that, if I stopped racing would ownership fill my competitive bucket?"- he continued.
Speaking about ownership, Hamlin points out that perhaps ownership could somehow satisfy his needs for competition. However, the 43-year-old admits that there are huge differences when it comes to being a NASCAR driver and a team owner.
Denny, on the other hand, is happy to have a part in building a team from scratch. Hamlin is proud of this stage in his career and the fact that he is the owner of the team. Again, Denny points out that he would probably have a problem getting used to just the role of owner. The famous NASCAR name recalled advice from older colleagues, who said that an individual feels when it is time to retire. Hamlin still doesn't have that feeling.
Although Denny primarily hoped to reach the podium and win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, he has to accept the fact that he will be without a trophy for another season. Denny Hamlin finished 8th in the final points standings. Although the beginning promised something different, Hamlin cannot be happy with one of the worst season finishes since 2018.
Interestingly, a driver like him never loses his passion and the desire to take a step further, which the statements of an experienced NASCAR driver recently say enough. The 43-year-old man hopes to change things in the coming year and achieve his intended goal.
Denny Hamlin on the Phoenix race
Denny did not forget to comment on the last race in Phoenix, thanking the fans for their huge support and the organizers of this race for the great conditions. Denny points out that the race did not bring what many wanted to see.
“The place gets rewarded because the fans turn out there, every time,” Hamlin said.
“They always do. … When you walk out there, I mean, it looks great. It’s a great venue. I hate it that the racing is not better, because it is a great — it’s a great racetrack."
The 43-year-old commented on the layout's and marked it as very unique, considering that it gives them several options on restarts. Denny, on the other hand, admits that car problems also occur and that they try to solve them in other ways. Phoenix is a specific race for many things. Fans will have the chance to watch the same race next year.
English (US)