Denny Hamlin is back for his 20th run at the NASCAR playoffs, entering The Chase as the top seed after grabbing four wins already this year. Forget the talk about him being one of the best drivers to never snag a championship, because this year feels different, and Hamlin himself has to know it. This guy’s ranked ninth all time with 64 career victories, so to still be chasing that first title? It’s wild, but he’s got a real shot right now.
Twenty Years in, It’s Time for Destiny to Call
Hamlin’s heard the “Is this your year?” question more times than he can count. He even told a reporter, “I’ve felt that many times. You just don’t know. If things work themselves out, if things go the way they’ve been going, then yes, absolutely.” This ain’t just another season for him, either. Last year was rough, with his terminally ill father passing away in a house fire in December. He really wanted that title last year for his dad, admitting it was a “rough, rough go.” He even said, “I really appreciate the racing gods sticking with us.” He went into this season saying it could either totally click or completely flop. With four wins and that top seed spot, things are definitely clicking.
A New Chase Format, A Fresh Opportunity
This 2026 Chase format? It’s a game changer for Hamlin. It’s way more like the original version, not that elimination style they ran from 2014-2025 where you had drivers getting cut. Now, it’s a simple 10-race mini-season with 16 drivers eligible, and Hamlin, as the top dog, starts with a 25-point lead on second place and a massive 100-point cushion on 16th. That cushion is everything. Last year, he was poised to win, took four tires on a late caution, and couldn’t catch Kyle Larson on just two fresh ones at the end. That kind of heartbreak changes you. But this new setup means less of that one-moment drama. Hamlin knows it, too: “It’s one of the best chances simply because it’s likely not going to come down to one restart in one race. There’s a big enough sample size now to where you know it’s not that one singular moment or a caution that falls that is just so not great for you. And so I think that’s kind of what gives us the best chance. Over the long haul, I like our chances.” He drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, but he also co-owns 23XI Racing, which has Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace in The Chase. He’s stepping back from ownership duties even more to just drive, because this year, there’s no coasting.
The first race of this 10-race championship sprint is coming fast. Hamlin’s got the momentum, he’s got the format on his side, and he’s got a burning desire. This isn’t just about winning a race; it’s about cementing a legacy. Can he finally get it done? We’re about to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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