What is most impressive about Denny Hamlin in 2026 isn’t what he is doing but what he theoretically could have done.
Notably.
This season, Dover’s All-Star Race doesn’t count, but Hamlin’s near-victory at the Coca-Cola 600 before rain intervened highlighted his competitive edge. He has since secured wins at Nashville, Michigan, and Pocono, finishing second at Texas to Chase Elliott earlier in the year.
Despite Christopher Bell’s strong season, Jordan’s 23XI Racing team remains dominant outside road courses. Hamlin’s challenges include a devastating championship race loss in Phoenix and a personal tragedy with his father’s passing, which he overcame with support from Jordan.
In the off-season, Michael Jordan challenged Hamlin, stating, “After Phoenix, you either rise or fold. We’ll find out.” Hamlin is now narrowing the championship gap to 19 points with nine races left, trailing the leader by 118 points initially.
Hamlin prioritizes race wins over championship points, stating, “Winning is all that matters.” After a close finish where he was within 20 points, he emphasized his team’s car performance and his focus on building a win record.
Despite fan reactions, Hamlin remains driven, noting that criticism and adversity fuel him. He draws inspiration from Jordan’s resilience, acknowledging parallels to his own struggles.