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Denny Hamlin weighed in on the fallout of the NASCAR anti-trust lawsuit.
Denny Hamlin added another win to his record on March 15, 2026, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The victory marked his 61st in the NASCAR Cup Series. After the race, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver shared a clear number for when he plans to step away from the sport.
Hamlin said he is aiming for 67 career wins before retirement. The 45-year-old has remained competitive and continues to add to his total.
His comments came during his Actions Detrimental podcast, where he explained how he reached the number and what it means for the final stage of his career. With six more wins needed, the 2026 season now carries added importance as he works toward a defined finish.
Denny Hamlin Sets 67 Wins as Retirement Target
Hamlin said he expects his career to end at a specific number based on his current pace.
“I think I’m going to fall in at 67. That’s where I think it ends, more than likely.”
He added that the projection could extend into the next season if needed.
“If it goes into the next year, more than likely 67. That’s just by the numbers.”
Hamlin explained that the number comes from his average results rather than personal feelings.
“That’s not any ‘I feel this, I feel that.’ That’s just where the numbers land, averaging what I average, three or four wins a year.”
Recent Milestone Places Hamlin Among Top Winners
Hamlin’s win at Las Vegas moved him to 61 career Cup Series victories. He now sits 10th on the all-time wins list, passing Kevin Harvick. The result follows a long push to reach the 60-win mark.
“We’ve been on this train of getting to 60 wins for a few years. Now we’re at 61.”
If he reaches 67 wins, Hamlin would move past Junior Johnson and Cale Yarborough on the all-time list. That would place him higher among some of the sport’s most successful drivers.
Focus Remains on Winning Before Retirement
Despite setting a long-term goal, Hamlin said his immediate focus remains on adding more wins.
“Get another win. That’s the goal.”
His contract runs through the 2027 season, which is widely viewed as the final stretch of his Cup career. He has stated he wants to retire while still competitive rather than remain in the field without contending.
Hamlin needs six more wins to reach his target. The rest of the 2026 season will play a key role as he works toward that mark and prepares for the closing chapter of his career.
Despite the lack of a Cup championship, Hamlin is confident in his legacy, noting that his high win total places him alongside multiple-title winners.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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