At Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 25, Joe Gibbs Racing publicly confirmed a new contract extension for Denny Hamlin, the driver who has been with the team since the beginning of his NASCAR Cup Series career in 2004. The deal, shorter than the usual three-year agreements, spans two years, signaling that this will most likely be Hamlin’s final extension as he approaches the closing chapter of a remarkable career.
Hamlin, at 44 years old and holding 58 Cup Series wins, acknowledged the ticking clock of his racing days when he stated the extension is probably his last. This announcement follows his most recent victory at Dover Motor Speedway, which marked his fourth win of the ongoing season and reinforced his enduring competitiveness.
Hamlin’s Longevity Compared to Other NASCAR Legends
Hamlin’s resilience after more than 700 starts helps position him alongside the likes of Kevin Harvick, whose win streak extended into his mid-40s. This contrasts with Jimmie Johnson, who experienced a sharp decline in performance after 2017, despite a Hall of Fame career. While many drivers and crew members face burnout amid NASCAR’s demanding schedule, Hamlin’s sustained motivation and performance keep him racing at the highest level.
Motivations Driving Hamlin in His Final Racing Years
When asked how he has maintained such longevity, Hamlin explained the dual nature of his motivation.
“I would say it’s kind of a two fold thing,”
Hamlin said.
“Some of it is my self motivating, right? Goals I’d like to reach in the Cup Series.”
Equally important to Hamlin is the deep bond he shares with Joe Gibbs and the team family. Gibbs took a significant chance on Hamlin, a former Subway sandwich artist and Virginia short track racer, over two decades ago. Hamlin’s loyalty and gratitude towards the organization remain unwavering.
“JD (Gibbs) obviously believed in me quite a bit,”
Hamlin said.
You want to pay back that loyalty to the family that gave you that start. It’ll be well over 20 years that I’ll be with them. And couldn’t imagine racing for any other organization, much less family.
Now, Hamlin stands as the longest-serving and winningest driver in Joe Gibbs Racing history.
Winning Drives Hamlin to Continue Racing
The prospect of winning remains a crucial factor in Hamlin’s desire to continue competing.
“The ability to win week in, week out, that certainly is a high motivating factor in wanting to do this,”
Hamlin commented.
Certainly, I think about on a weekly basis, would I want to do this if I didn’t have the ability or couldn’t win as much? Probably … the motivation wouldn’t be there. But certainly, as competitive as I am, I’m motivated by being able to win.
Despite the physical toll of a demanding sport that has seen Hamlin undergo numerous surgeries, including recovery from a broken back in 2013, he reports feeling physically stronger.
“Kind of got my body in a good place,”
Hamlin said.
My back is not bothering me as much as it was a few years ago. I’ve kind of gotten in a good place there. And so a lot of it is, can you physically hold up? Can you mentally hold up?
He continues to place racing high on his personal priority list and promises to bring the same dedication he had early in his career.
I just I never wane from making sure that I’m doing my job, and to the best of my ability and work ethic will never change,
he said.
Unwavering Commitment Evident in Hamlin’s Preparation
Hamlin’s dedication extends beyond the racetrack to intense simulator sessions, a fact praised recently by Joe Gibbs himself. New teammate Chase Briscoe expressed surprise at Hamlin’s disciplined work ethic, especially considering his many responsibilities.
Just from the outside looking in, you expect that he has a ton of distractions, right?
Briscoe said.
With the 23XI [Racing] stuff. And obviously he’s got a lot going on at home with three kids, I could definitely relate to that.
He’s literally there more than probably anybody, as far as sim work goes … when he would, I feel like, have every reason to kind of be able to get out of it, especially he’s been doing it for 20 years.
Briscoe admitted that Hamlin’s analytical approach to racing was eye-opening for him.
“Very, very eye opening, just how into the analytics and into the data (Hamlin) is. And that’s something that I’ve never really used in the past and I’m trying to start doing more this year just because I’ve seen that it makes a difference for him.”
Peers Recognize Hamlin’s Elite Talent
Despite his success, Hamlin’s skill level is sometimes underrated by outside observers. Ryan Blaney, 2023 Cup champion, described Hamlin as
“one of the greats in the sport.”
I feel like sometimes the outside world overlooks that, just how good Denny is,
Blaney said.
He’s one of the guys I watch pretty much every weekend in practice, comparing myself to speed wise, just because I know he’s going to be there at some point in the race.
Shorter Extension Reflects Hamlin’s Commitment to Peak Performance
Hamlin chose a two-year extension rather than a longer term deal because it better suits his confidence level about maintaining top form.
Who knows what can happen three years from now,
he noted.
So I just want to make sure that I get (Joe Gibbs Racing) proper time and make sure I commit to them for not one year, (but) multiple years. Let them try to build continue to build the program. No particular reason other than.
The veteran driver added,
If I was 26, I would take 10 years, but I just I want to make sure that I’m still at my peak form in my final year. That could be tailing off for three years, so I don’t want that.
Hamlin Prepared for Transition When Performance Declines
Fully aware that a sudden decline in racing ability could come sooner than expected, Hamlin has a clear plan.
I want the ability to know I can win my last race,
he said.
That’s going to be the deciding factor. I’m not going to wait until I start to head downward and then retire. I don’t want to go through a whole year.
I understand if it just happens naturally in the second half of the final year, then it just happens, but I don’t want to have to go through another season … if I’m starting to tail off the end of next year, I’ll just retire. I could retire whenever I want to retire, so I think that I’m just going to see how things go.
Daniel McFadin’s Role and Perspective
Daniel McFadin, a seasoned NASCAR reporter with over a decade of experience, currently works for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and leads coverage at Frontstretch. McFadin also hosts the NASCAR podcast
“Dropping the Hammer with Daniel McFadin,”
providing insights into the sport and its top personalities.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has become a legend, winning the Cup Series 51 times. He also achieved victory in the Daytona 500 three times, in 2016, 2019, and 2020, and has earned millions from these successes.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is planning to marry Jordan Fish. Their first meeting didn’t go well, but they connected better the next time and started dating in 2007. Despite facing a few challenges, they have stayed very close.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s $65 million net worth comes from over $100 million earned in NASCAR through contracts and winnings.
He also earns millions through endorsement deals with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
In addition, he co-owns 23XI Racing, a franchise now worth more than $100 million.