“It would be the perfect scenario”: Denny Hamlin teases a fairytale ending to his NASCAR career but ‘loyalty’ to JGR keeps him grounded

Denny Hamlin pondered the idea of whether or not he would step away from full-time NASCAR competition if he were to win the Cup Series championship on Sunday (Nov. 2) at Phoenix. The driver of the #11 said that while it would be a "perfect" send-off for him, his loyalty to Joe Gibbs Racing makes him hesitant to pull the plug if he becomes champion.

In a recent interview with Motor Racing Network broadcaster Dave Moody on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the 44-year-old was asked if he thought announcing his retirement as a full-time driver after winning the championship would be a perfect "mic drop" moment for him. The 60-time Cup Series winner said that it would make for a great send-off for him, but not as much for JGR.

As of now, Denny Hamlin said that there were no concrete plans for him to retire, as he felt the need to stay loyal to JGR until it's time. Ultimately, Hamlin wasn't ready to say he'll step away from full-time racing if he were to win the Cup Series title at Phoenix.

"It would be the perfect scenario for me personally but I have to keep into account that I don't know that JGR has an alternative plan right now and in place. I think they're working on the plan for when I'm not here and right now it's after a couple years but I'm too loyal to JGR to put them in a bad spot but certainly for me I would be content with that," Denny Hamlin said (0:28 onwards)

Denny Hamlin's current contract with JGR is expected to run through the 2027 season. He is in his 20th full-time season with the team, which has made up his entire Cup career. On Sunday at Phoenix, Hamlin is seeking an elusive first Cup Series title and the first for JGR since Kyle Busch in 2019.

Denny Hamlin starts on the pole in Phoenix championship race

NASCAR: Cup Series-Qualifying - Source: Imagn

In his quest to finally win a NASCAR Cup Series championship, Denny Hamlin will lead the field to the green flag in today's season finale race at the Phoenix Raceway. The driver of the #11 put his Progressive Toyota on the pole with a time of 26.914.

Denny Hamlin will have to outduel Hendrick Motorsports drivers William Byron and Kyle Larson, as well as Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe, in order to bring home the championship. Hamlin is a two-time Phoenix winner, with his latest win coming in November 2019.

Hamlin has a series-high six wins in 2025 with victories at Martinsville, Darlington, Michigan, Dover, World Wide Technology Raceway, and Las Vegas. His Las Vegas victory was his 60th career win overall and punched his ticket to the Championship 4 race.