At 44, Denny Hamlin defies every expectation about aging NASCAR drivers. While most veterans his age are considering retirement or struggling to stay competitive, Hamlin looks like the strongest contender in the 2025 playoffs. Something feels different about his approach this season, and fellow veteran Kevin Harvick has taken notice of the change.
What Makes Denny Hamlin’s 2025 Playoff Run So Different?
The age at which Hamlin currently finds himself is generally when drivers lose their form, stand on the verge of retiring, or have already hung up their helmets. However, that’s not the case with the Florida native. After his recent win at the World Wide Technology Raceway, Hamlin became the season’s winningest driver with five victories. Beyond that achievement, he also secured the top seed in the playoffs, already booking his spot in the round of 12.
Hamlin’s Gateway victory marked his 59th Cup Series win in a career that has now spanned two decades. While that elusive championship remains out of reach, Hamlin has accomplished virtually everything the sport offers. He boasts seven crown jewel victories, with only the Brickyard 400 remaining unconquered. The veteran sits just one win away from entering the top-10 winningest drivers of all time and only four victories from becoming the winningest active driver.
Even if Hamlin never captures a championship, he would still rank among the most significant drivers in NASCAR history. Hamlin seems at peace with this reality. Remember his earlier statement: “When you compare me to someone that’s maybe got one or two, maybe three championships, and half the wins, I don’t think that person’s better than I am.”
How Has Hamlin’s Mindset Changed This Season?
Hamlin’s priorities have shifted significantly. He has made peace with the possibility of never winning the championship, but that’s no longer his ultimate goal. Instead, he wants to remain competitive until the end of his time in the sport and is doing precisely that. This acceptance has likely kept him so composed throughout the 2025 season.
Harvick recently observed this transformation. He said, “I’m intrigued by his demeanor. He just seems so loose. Very lowkey. I know it helps when the cars are running good and all those things, but since the start of the playoffs, he has just been super relaxed. Hearing him explain just why that is and his approach to the playoffs this year… obviously, he’s got a different crew chief this year, but he kind of backed up the driver’s demeanor, the driver’s personality, setting the tone for the team.”
History shows that Hamlin could be having the best of seasons when something beyond his control derails his title hopes. However, this year presents a different story. Rather than feeling uptight and tense about whether that bad luck streak will continue, Hamlin remains unbothered and focuses purely on racing. This maturity stands in stark contrast to what many of his 2025 playoff competitors have displayed so far.
“So, it was interesting to hear Denny talk about that and the things that he wanted to do differently going in, and a lot of that comes with maturity, but he definitely spoke about trying to be the leader of his team and setting that tone as far as the personality and things that go with it,” Harvick added.
What Does the Future Hold for Hamlin’s NASCAR Career?
While Hamlin has his contract extended through 2027, uncertainty surrounds whether he’ll race until that deal expires. For the #11 driver, staying competitive remains the top priority until his final Cup Series race. This commitment shows in his recent statement: “There’s just got to be a means to an end. I’m just not going to leave the sport on my deathbed… just leaking oil, just running in the back of the pack… I have way too much pride for that. I’m way too cocky for that.”
Hamlin might call it quits at the end of this season. He also has his son now, which must shift his priorities. Only time will reveal what unfolds next in Hamlin’s Cup Series career.
