Denny Hamlin stands on the brink of perhaps his most significant career milestone—the elusive victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Nearly five years after a heart-wrenching crash in the 2020 Brickyard 400 denied him the win while he led comfortably, Hamlin approaches the 2025 race determined to secure the missing piece of his NASCAR legacy. This pursuit, known as the Denny Hamlin Indianapolis victory quest, marks his most pressing challenge to complete his crown jewel collection.
As a three-time Daytona 500 winner and holder of multiple other prestigious race titles, Hamlin’s record is imposing. His career includes 57 NASCAR Cup Series wins, with victories in the Daytona 500 (2016, 2019, 2020), Southern 500 (2010, 2017, 2021), and the Coca-Cola 600 (2022). Yet Indianapolis remains the only major race that has slipped through his grasp despite numerous attempts, heightening the race’s importance in his career narrative.
Why the Indianapolis Victory Holds Deep Significance for Hamlin
For Hamlin, capturing a win at Indianapolis is about more than just another trophy; it is the final major notch missing from his extensive list of achievements. He has openly expressed that the Brickyard 400 is
“The last, you know, big major win that I don’t have on my resume,”
underscoring its unique importance in his career. The prestige and history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway add to the aura and pressure surrounding his pursuit.
Hamlin has experienced many close calls at Indianapolis, which only intensify his desire. Reflecting on the track’s significance, he noted,
“Yeah, just so much history at that track. Um, just the close calls I’ve had at that one. That’s, you know, kind of the last, you know, big major win that I don’t have on my resume.”
He emphasized the unbeatable prestige tied to winning at this iconic venue, saying,
“Nothing takes away from the prestige of the actual of of winning at that track.”
The 2020 Brickyard 400: When Victory Turned to Disaster
The defining setback occurred during the 2020 Brickyard 400, a race where Hamlin appeared destined for victory. Leading by about 10 car lengths with only seven laps left, fate intervened cruelly. His right front tire suddenly failed entering Turn 1, sending him violently into the SAFER barrier and effectively ending his chances. This collision also brought out the race’s ninth caution, abruptly halting his dominant run.
Hamlin somberly commented on the incident, saying,
“I hate it for the FedEx team. We did what we needed to do, it just didn’t work out for us today. I had a fast car, obviously. We were stretching (the lead), but I wasn’t pushing the right front (tire) at all. It’s kind of roulette (with the tires) if you’re going to get one that’s going to stay together or not, and mine didn’t.”
This moment perfectly encapsulated his misfortunes at Indianapolis despite evident speed and preparation.
Despite competing in 16 races at the 2.5-mile Indianapolis oval, Hamlin has never broken through for the win. His record includes five top-five and eight top-10 finishes, a pole position earned in 2012, and 106 laps led over the years. He has accumulated more than $2.18 million in winnings at the track but remains without the key victory that would cement his status at this venue.
A Renewed Opportunity to Secure Indianapolis Glory in 2025
With his 44th birthday passed, Hamlin acknowledges the narrowing window for capturing his final crown jewel victory.
“I don’t have that many chances left. It’s less than what’s on my hand, I would think,”
he conceded before the 2024 Brickyard 400, highlighting the urgency driving his preparation for the upcoming season.
Returning to the 2025 NASCAR season with momentum, Hamlin has already secured three wins in 19 races and currently sits second in the playoffs standings. This positions him well heading into the July 27 race at Indianapolis, which is arguably his best chance to complete his collection of NASCAR’s most coveted victories. Achieving this would not only fulfill a personal ambition but also serve as a definitive answer to his harshest critics and solidify his legacy.
As Denny Hamlin prepares to take the green flag next summer, the racing world will watch closely to see if he can convert speed, skill, and persistence into the ultimate triumph he has long pursued.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006 and has had an impressive career. He has secured 51 wins in the Cup Series and won the Daytona 500 three times (2016, 2019, 2020). Additionally, he has made millions during his racing career.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is engaged to Jordan Fish. Since she loved dancing as a child, she performed for the NBA team once known as the Charlotte Bobcats, now called the Charlotte Hornets. She crossed paths with Hamlin while performing at one of their games.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million through his thriving racing career and lucrative endorsement deals. He also invests in real estate and owns a racing team. Whether driving or managing a team, Hamlin consistently makes wise decisions both on the track and in his business ventures.