Veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin publicly asserted that he is currently the sport’s best driver, excluding performances on road courses, sparking widespread debate among fans. Hamlin, a seasoned competitor since 2006, voiced this stance during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, where his strong performances have fueled his confidence.
Throughout his career, Hamlin has amassed 58 Cup Series victories, including prestigious triumphs at the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Despite never capturing the elusive Cup championship—his closest attempt being a narrow runner-up finish in 2010—he remains a central figure at Joe Gibbs Racing, with whom he recently extended his contract. His steady presence and continued success have shaped his belief that experience and consistent winning define the discipline’s top competitor, at least when ignoring road course events.
A Career Marked by Consistency and Notable Achievements
Denny Hamlin’s journey began as a remarkable rookie, winning twice and finishing third overall in his debut Cup season, a feat that still stands out in NASCAR’s modern history. Over nearly two decades, he has maintained a position near the top of the sport, collecting key victories and proving his resilience. Hamlin’s tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing highlights a stable relationship rarely seen in the fast-moving world of competitive motorsports.
In 2025, Hamlin is demonstrating one of his best campaigns in years, achieving four wins and standing fourth in the championship points race behind leaders William Byron and Kyle Larson. Statistically, he ranks among the top performers in average finishing position, driver rating, and total points—a testament to his competitiveness even as he approaches the latter stages of his career. Successes at tracks like Martinsville and Dover underscore his enduring skill, though despite these strong outings, he has not yet established clear dominance.
Hamlin’s Ranking of Top NASCAR Drivers and Its Fallout
Recently, Hamlin shared his views on who currently leads NASCAR’s driving elite, placing himself first if road courses are disregarded, followed by William Byron and Kyle Larson. He suggested that drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, or Tyler Reddick might claim the remaining top spots, highlighting the divisive nature of driver rankings.
“If we can exclude the road courses, I believe I’m number one. Byron is two, Larson is three… Blaney should be in the top five.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
This assertion quickly fueled a wave of reactions across social media platforms, especially Reddit, where fans used humor and sarcasm to challenge Hamlin’s self-assessment. Many argued that excluding road courses, an important aspect of NASCAR, unfairly alters the basis on which to select the “best” driver.
Fan Reactions Reflect Skepticism and Entertainment
Some fans exaggerated Hamlin’s logic to absurd levels, using playful mockery to question his claim. One Reddit user joked,
“If we exclude the racing, I’m the best driver in NASCAR right now.”
—Anonymous Reddit user
This playful exaggeration pokes fun at framing a narrow criterion to make any claim to superiority, reflecting the widespread perception that Hamlin’s statement had a self-serving angle. Others flipped the idea to emphasize the strengths of rival drivers on their preferred track types,
“If we exclude ovals, SVG is the best driver in NASCAR now.”
—Anonymous Reddit user
Highlighting Shane van Gisbergen’s reputation as a road course specialist, this comment reminds fans that the title of “best” can shift based on the racing format and environment.
The conversation also touched on NASCAR’s rare female participants, with a fan noting,
“If we exclude all male drivers, Katherine Legge is the best driver in NASCAR right now.”
—Anonymous Reddit user
Legge, known for breaking barriers as the first woman to start a Cup race since Danica Patrick, represents persistence and versatility in a male-dominated sport. Another fan added a lighthearted jab, saying,
“I mean… we have seen Ryan Blaney as a female before. Tough to beat that.”
—Anonymous Reddit user
This referred to a popular meme depicting Blaney photoshopped as a woman, demonstrating how humor is deeply embedded in NASCAR fan culture.
Sarcasm and Criticism Among the Fanbase
Some responses hinted that Hamlin’s bold claim might backfire, especially when mistakes happen on the track. A sarcastic fan pointed out,
“That’s it. Every time he wrecks I’m gonna say ‘World’s greatest driver, ladies and gentleman.’”
—Anonymous Reddit user
This kind of comment reveals the tension between self-confidence and public scrutiny that athletes face, especially in high-profile sports like NASCAR. Another user succinctly expressed skepticism with dry wit,
“Athlete is confident in himself, more shocking news coming up at 10.”
—Anonymous Reddit user
Such remarks emphasize that confidence is expected among elite competitors, and Hamlin’s proclamation may be perceived as typical bravado rather than groundbreaking insight.
The Broader Implications of Hamlin’s Statement
Denny Hamlin’s assertion has sparked a notable conversation within NASCAR circles, illustrating how notions of greatness are often subjective and shaped by factors like track preference, recent performance, and personal bias. His claim underscores the ongoing debate about the criteria used to evaluate driving excellence, especially in a sport that demands versatility across different track styles.
As Hamlin continues his 2025 campaign, the spotlight remains on whether his results will validate his self-assigned ranking. Fans and critics alike will watch to see if his late-career surge culminates in the elusive championship, potentially strengthening his argument as NASCAR’s top driver. Meanwhile, the lively fan responses showcase the vitality of NASCAR’s community, blending passion, humor, and rivalry in their engagement with the sport.