In an alternate reality where he won the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship, Denny Hamlin would’ve retired on the spot.
That’s what Hamlin, who turns 45 on Nov. 18 and is still searching for his first NASCAR title, said on the latest episode of his podcast, “Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin,” on Friday.
Denny Hamlin could’ve went out on top
Hamlin came up just shy of the 2025 Cup Series championship, and despite comments he made after the heartbreaking defeat, he will race in 2026. Hamlin’s contract with Joe Gibbs Racing runs through 2027.
“Listen, I would’ve begged Joe (Gibbs) to let me quit had I won that race,” Hamlin said. “Because it would’ve been the perfect way for me to go out.”