In a thrilling display of talent and tenacity, Denny Hamlin not only secured a monumental victory at Gateway but also etched his name further into NASCAR history. This triumph marked Joe Gibbs Racing’s remarkable 11th win of the season, propelling Hamlin to an impressive 59 career victories and solidifying his spot as the 11th winningest driver in NASCAR Cup history. The stakes were high as Hamlin entered the race already comfortably ahead in the playoff standings, boasting a 43-point cushion above the cutline. However, his performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he led a race-high 75 laps before crossing the finish line ahead of his teammate, Chase Briscoe.
Chris Gabehart, Hamlin’s former crew chief, couldn’t contain his excitement about the significance of this victory. Taking to social media, he celebrated the milestone by stating, “Very fitting that the 11 produces our 11th [win] of the season and [Toyota’s] 200th [NASCAR] Cup win! [Denny Hamlin] has been a major part in the achievement of that goal! And now, we look to continue the [Joe Gibbs Racing] hot streak at my favorite race… its [ItsBristolBaby]!”
This victory not only boosts Hamlin’s confidence but also sets the stage for an intense showdown at the upcoming Bristol Motor Speedway, where JGR has historically dominated with 15 wins—the most among all active teams. Hamlin has played a pivotal role in this success, boasting four career wins at the iconic short track, including two victories in the last three races there. The anticipation is building for the Bristol race, scheduled for September 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET, as fans eagerly await to see if Hamlin can continue his winning momentum.
As Hamlin prepares for the next challenge, he reflects on his career and future ambitions. At 21 seasons in the Cup series, he stands as the oldest driver in the playoffs. With a contract that extends for two more years, he has hinted that 2027 might mark the end of his illustrious career. Despite his impressive 59 wins, one glaring omission remains: a victory at the prestigious Brickyard. After his recent success at Gateway, Hamlin expressed his determination, stating, “I’m just not going to leave this sport on my deathbed, just leaking oil, running in the back of the pack. I have way too much pride for that. I’m way too cocky for that. There’s just no way. I want to be able to win my last race.” He is resolute in his quest for a Brickyard win, emphasizing, “I haven’t won the freaking Brickyard. I’m going to have two more shots at it, and that’s it, to round this thing out.”
As the playoff race intensifies, the focus will undoubtedly remain on Hamlin and his pursuit of greatness, both on the track and in the annals of NASCAR history. With the spotlight shining brightly on him, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can finally capture that elusive Brickyard victory while continuing to add to his remarkable legacy.
