Denny Hamlin is one of the most accomplished drivers in NASCAR history. With his impressive longevity, marquee wins, and consistent week-to-week speed, he has proven time and time again that he belongs among the all-time greats. However, there is one thing missing from his impressive resume – a Cup championship.
Despite being in the fight for the title repeatedly, Hamlin has yet to lift the coveted NASCAR Cup. As the years go by, the championship-sized asterisk seems to loom larger and larger, making many question if he will ever get his “final shot” at the title.
But as we head into the 2021 season, it’s time to put those doubts to rest and recognize that Hamlin is more than capable of finally clinching that elusive championship.
First and foremost, let’s talk about Hamlin’s longevity. In a sport where drivers come and go, Hamlin has been a constant presence for over 15 years. He made his Cup debut in 2005 and has been a mainstay in the series ever since. This level of consistency is a testament to his talent and determination, as well as his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of NASCAR.
But it’s not just about being in the sport for a long time – it’s about performing at a high level year after year. And that’s exactly what Hamlin has done. In his 16 years in the Cup series, he has amassed an impressive 44 wins, including two Daytona 500 victories. He has also finished in the top 10 in the championship standings in 14 of those 16 seasons. These are not numbers that can be ignored or dismissed.
Moreover, Hamlin’s marquee wins speak for themselves. He is one of only six drivers in NASCAR history to win the Daytona 500 three or more times. He has also won some of the sport’s most prestigious races, including the Southern 500 and the Brickyard 400. These are the types of wins that solidify a driver’s legacy and prove their ability to perform on the biggest stages.
But perhaps what sets Hamlin apart from his competitors is his consistent week-to-week speed. In a sport where races are won and lost by mere seconds, having a fast car week in and week out is crucial. And Hamlin has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to be at the front of the pack. In 2020, he led the series in laps led with a staggering 1,137 laps. This is a testament to his skill as a driver and the strength of his team.
So why has the Cup title eluded Hamlin? Some may point to his lack of a championship as a sign of his inability to perform under pressure. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Hamlin has been in the fight for the title on multiple occasions, coming agonizingly close in 2010, 2014, and 2019. He has proven that he can handle the pressure and perform at a high level when it matters most.
So what’s been holding Hamlin back from claiming the championship? In my opinion, it’s simply a matter of bad luck. In 2010, he narrowly missed out on the title by just 39 points. In 2014, he finished second in the championship standings despite winning the most races that season. And in 2019, he once again came up short, this time by just seven points.
But as the saying goes, “luck can change in an instant.” And I believe that 2021 could be the year that luck finally turns in Hamlin’s favor.
At 40 years old, some may argue that Hamlin’s window for winning a championship is closing. But I see it as the opposite – he is in the prime of his career and has the experience and skill to make a championship run. Plus, with the new Next Gen car being introduced in 2022, it’s a fresh start for all drivers and teams, leveling the playing field and giving Hamlin a chance to finally claim the title.
In conclusion, it’s time to stop writing off Denny Hamlin’s chances at a championship. He has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to be one of the all-time greats in NASCAR. And as we head into the 2021 season, I believe that this could be his “final shot”
