Denny Hamlin experienced a whirlwind of emotions following his victory at the South Point Casino 400 on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As he completed his cool-down lap, tears streamed down his face, reflecting the weight of various personal and professional milestones. His win marked the 60th of his career, a significant achievement as he aims to secure his legacy in the NASCAR Cup Series.
In a post-race press conference, Hamlin acknowledged the many factors contributing to his emotional state. He is not only celebrating a major career milestone but also grappling with his father’s declining health. “He’s just not doing well, not feeling well,” Hamlin shared about his father, Dennis Hamlin Sr., who introduced him to racing at the age of five and made numerous sacrifices to support his son’s career. “I’m glad he was able to see 60. That was super important to me.”
Hamlin’s victory is a pivotal moment in his career as he prepares to return to the NASCAR Championship for the first time since 2020. He expressed that this win is particularly meaningful due to the convergence of personal challenges and professional aspirations. He stated, “This is the most satisfying win in my career because all of those elements have collided at this exact moment.”
The number 60 holds special significance to Hamlin, who has been vocal about his desire to retire among the top ten all-time Cup Series winners. Winning this race not only brings him closer to that goal but also allows him to honor the sacrifices made by his family. Reflecting on his career trajectory, he noted, “There were just so many other factors that played into today, which is why I think that it’s my biggest win.”
In the context of his career, Hamlin also paid tribute to the late JD Gibbs, who played a crucial role in his early racing life. Gibbs recognized Hamlin’s talent when he moved him from Late Model Stock Cars to the Cup Series. “He only ran half a year in Xfinity, which is amazing,” Gibbs recalled, emphasizing the unexpected success Hamlin achieved early on.
Hamlin’s bond with Joe Gibbs, his team owner and a father figure, has also shaped his career. He described this relationship as familial, saying, “I’ve got two dads. One’s at home and one’s here.” This support system has profoundly influenced his approach to racing and life, providing him with guidance and stability.
As he contemplates the upcoming championship race, Hamlin acknowledges the pressures that come with it. “Truthfully I don’t get nervous anymore, but I will at some point because is this my last chance to do it,” he mused. At 44 years old, he is acutely aware that time is running out to achieve his championship dreams. Despite this, he remains focused on the work required to compete at the highest level. “I just know I’m going to do it, do the work, and I hope it works out.”
Hamlin’s dedication is evident in his preparation for races. He revealed that he spent over seven hours this week in simulation work, a testament to his commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. His new crew chief, Chris Gayle, noted Hamlin’s intense focus, recounting how he rushed back to his motor home during a break to review critical information before the race.
As Hamlin takes a brief pause before the championship, he reflects on the sacrifices made by his family. He recalls the financial struggles his parents faced to support his racing dreams, including second and third mortgages on their home. “It’s great it’s all paid off. Certainly, they got the life now that they deserved before I decided to do this,” he said.
With his eyes set on the championship and a heart full of gratitude, Denny Hamlin stands at a crossroads in his career, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
