Veteran Denny Hamlin Chases Elusive NASCAR Cup Title as Wins Mount

As of September 8th, 2025, veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is enjoying a strong season, having just secured his 5th victory of the year at the Enjoy Illinois 300. This latest win has pushed the No. 11 car into the Round of 12 in the playoffs. However, when asked about his long-sought Cup title drought, the 44-year-old brushed the question aside and emphasized his focus on winning races.

Hamlin's victory at Gateway was the 59th of his career, leaving him just one shy of Kevin Harvick for 10th on NASCAR's all-time wins list. The performance was dominant, as Hamlin took control following a late-race caution and never relinquished the lead. Yet for many observers, the bigger story is whether this latest run of form will finally change Hamlin's championship fortunes.

Despite an impressive résumé that includes 3 Daytona 500 wins, 6 Martinsville clocks, and 6 seasons with 4 or more victories, the Cup title has remained elusive for Hamlin. He has been to the Championship 4 four times and came within 39 points of the title in 2010, but the 'Winner-take-all' playoff format has proven frustrating for the veteran driver.

Hamlin has made peace with the reality that one race in November can erase nine months of work. Instead, he remains focused on adding to his win tally, stating that he believes wins will "carry their weight long after" and that he doesn't want to have any regrets about not giving it his all in the final races of his career.