Denny Hamlin arrives at Indianapolis determined to capture the Brickyard 400, a key race that remains missing from his collection despite multiple major victories. Coming off a recent win at Dover, Hamlin is aiming to add this prestigious event to his résumé, which includes four Cup wins so far this season. His quest for the Brickyard 400 win carries special significance amid his impressive career achievements.
Career Highlights and the Missing Crown Jewel
Hamlin’s record boasts three Daytona 500 wins—in 2016, 2019, and 2020—alongside three Southern 500 victories at Darlington and a Coca-Cola 600 triumph in 2022. Among NASCAR’s four crown jewel races, the Brickyard 400 is the only one that has eluded him so far. While he has recorded strong finishes, such as third place in 2008, 2014, and 2018, Hamlin remains desperate to secure a win at this iconic track in Indianapolis.
The 2020 Brickyard Race: A Painful Memory
Hamlin described his 2020 Brickyard effort as the most difficult loss of his career during NASCAR’s The Day After podcast following his Dover victory.
“To me, 2020 was by far the hardest because I was in control of the race. I’m leading, the race is going green all the way out. It’s six laps to go. It was the year me, and Kevin Harvick dominated the entire year. I think we won half the races. I’m running one, he’s running two, and I blow a tire with six laps to go,”
Hamlin recalled.
And that was just a really, really, really tough one to swallow because we did everything up until that point to execute and win that race. And that was going to be one I was going to check off the list. So, it’s part of your resume.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Details of the 2020 Race and Strategy
During the 2020 Brickyard 400, Hamlin took the lead from Kevin Harvick using a strategic pit stop undercut on lap 122. With clean air ahead, the primary concern became whether his right-side tires could hold up through the final laps. Harvick’s team, led by crew chief Rodney Childers, instructed him to maintain pressure, aiming to wear down Hamlin’s tires even without an immediate pass opportunity. While Hamlin later reported he didn’t notice tire issues, a sudden tire failure dashed his hopes.
Another Near Miss and Continual Desire for Victory
Hamlin also reflected on last year’s race disappointment, where a fuel stop mishap resulted in a wreck, costing him another chance at victory. The driver for Joe Gibbs Racing expressed a deep desire to claim the Brickyard 400 win before his career ends, wanting to have the race as part of his enduring legacy.
Strong Track Record but Chasing That Defining Win
Heading into this weekend’s Brickyard 400, Hamlin holds an average finish of 14.6 in 16 starts at Indianapolis. He ranks fourth in the current driver standings and has accumulated five top-five finishes and eight top-10s at the Brickyard 400. Despite these solid numbers, Hamlin’s focus remains laser-sharp on earning his first win at this event, recognizing it as the missing piece in his distinguished career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Starting his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has become iconic, achieving 51 Cup Series victories.
He has also won the Daytona 500 three times (2016, 2019, 2020) and earned substantial money during his career.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is engaged to Jordan Fish. Their first meeting was not smooth, but they clicked during their second meeting and started dating in 2007. Despite facing some challenges, they have stayed close throughout their relationship.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin is worth about $65 million due to his successful racing career, profitable endorsement deals, expanding team ownership, and wise real estate investments. Whether racing or managing a team, Hamlin consistently makes smart decisions, both on and off the track.