The NASCAR Cup Sequence finale at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday is probably crucial race of Denny Hamlin’s lengthy profession. The Joe Gibbs Racing veteran has a golden alternative to win the title and finish a curse he has been enduring for the reason that starting of his profession. In spite of everything that he has been by means of, might he name it a day if he manages to change into a champion?
He positive wish to. However there’s only one delicate nook that’s stopping him from doing so. In a candid dialog on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hamlin was requested if he would retire instantly if he wins the title. He replied, “It could be the right state of affairs for me personally. However I’ve to maintain in account that I don’t know that JGR has an alternate plan proper now.”
“They’re engaged on a plan for when I’m not right here. Proper now, it’s been a few years. I’m too loyal to JGR to place them in a foul spot. However actually for me, I’d be content material with that.” Hamlin has been with Joe Gibbs Racing for 20 years now. His loyalty to Coach Gibbs is what makes him stay with the staff regardless of being the co-owner of 23XI Racing, and within the twilight years of his profession.
So, relaxation assured, he gained’t be handing over his resignation papers even when he finally ends up turning into a champion this Sunday. So, what are his retirement plans?
When does Denny Hamlin plan to retire?
It is a query that pops up each typically as soon as a driver crosses the 40-year-old mark. Hamlin, now 44, has been battling it for some time now. The reply can all the time be present in his outcomes on the race monitor.
Regardless of his age, Hamlin remains to be posing a troublesome risk to each teen on the monitor. He has been one of the crucial dominant drivers of the 2025 season, and his spot within the Championship 4 is a testomony to the identical.
Requested about his retirement earlier this yr, he stated, “You simply by no means know. My drive remains to be there, and clearly, the efficiency remains to be there. I’m gonna attempt to simply win all I can this window whereas it’s nonetheless there.” Whereas he’s keen to remain on the monitor for so long as his efficiency is up, he’s additionally self-aware that he can’t race for so long as Mark Martin did.
He added, “Mark Martin did it when he was 50 and was unbelievable. There’s no method I’ll ever make it that far, however once more, everybody’s physique, thoughts, and eyesight are all completely different, and it goes away at completely different instances.”
For now, the veteran has a job at hand. He must win the golden prize on Sunday. No matter whether or not he leaves JGR or not, the approaching race will function a pivotal level in his profession.
