“Greatness is greatness”: Fans react as Mark Martin reveals why he’s pulling for Denny Hamlin in Championship race 

Mark Martin publicly backed Denny Hamlin to win the 2025 NASCAR Championship in Phoenix. The veteran suggested a championship under Hamlin's belt would silence the "idiotic" comments and "haters" who fail to acknowledge his status as one of the modern era's great drivers.

In a post on X, Hall of Famer Martin wrote:

"I’m pulling for @dennyhamlin to win the Championship today for all the right reasons. BUT also so one of the most successful drivers in this era won’t have to listen to the idiotic (never won a championship) from haters. The trophy doesn’t define the entire body of work."

Mark Martin

@markmartin

I’m pulling for @dennyhamlin to win the Championship today for all the right reasons. BUT also so one of the most successful drivers in this era won’t have to listen to the idiotic (never won a championship) from haters. The trophy doesn’t define the entire body of work.

Mark Martin, widely regarded as the greatest NASCAR Cup Series driver to never win a championship, finished second in the standings five times and third four times in his storied career.

The comments immediately resonated with fans of the sport, who quickly shared their honest and similar reactions. A fan said:

"You know all about that noise buddy. Greatness is greatness regardless!"

Chris Harder

@taylrmad

@markmartin @dennyhamlin You know all about that noise buddy. Greatness is greatness regardless!

Another fan wrote:

"It’s a ridiculous thing for you to have to hear. Talk to the other drivers in that era and they all say the same thing. You were one of the best to ever do it."

Nakedbanker

@NakedIT4

@markmartin @dennyhamlin It’s a ridiculous thing for you to have to hear. Talk to the other drivers in that era and they all say the same thing. You were one of the best to ever do it.

Here are a few more reactions from NASCAR fans as they responded to what 40-time Cup race winner Martin said.

"Denny has my vote. The only driver who reminds me of a time when drivers were men who spoke their minds and pushed the sport," a fan wrote.

"I find it very impressive that he’s found so much success across so many different generations of race cars. He’s gotta go get this championship," a second fan wrote.

"No, but if he doesn't he still will be remembered as one of the ALL TIME GREATS. Just like you Mark. I have many of your die-cast cars, and history will ALWAYS show you as a true champion in @NASCAR"

As of writing, Denny Hamlin is battling for a chance at his maiden NASCAR title. Joining him are JGR teammate Chase Briscoe and two Hendrick Motorsports drivers, Kyle Larson and William Byron.

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"You always have to seize the moment": Denny Hamlin questions his window to win NASCAR Championship

In his two-decade-long NASCAR career, Denny Hamlin has failed to win a championship title. As he nears the tail end of his career. Moreover, he believed that he had a short window left to win the esteemed NASCAR trophy. In a conversation via Racer.com, Hamlin said:

"Is this my last opportunity or not? I think any format change that’s coming that seems like it’ll be a bigger sample size should be better for me in general, but you just never know. You always have to seize the moment right there in front of you. So, I would certainly confirm that the pressure is probably most on me because these guys know they have a long way to go."

Before heading into the NASCAR Championship race, Denny Hamlin has won six times this season. His most recent win was at Las Vegas, where he won his career 60th win. He has also finished 14 times inside the top five.