“We’ve paid our dues”: Denny Hamlin admits pressure is highest as he questions his window to win long-awaited NASCAR title

Denny Hamlin, the 44-year-old NASCAR driver, will race in his 20th full-time season with Joe Gibbs Racing and will have a chance at the elusive Cup Series trophy after missing out on several different occasions. The No. 11 Toyota driver admitted he feels the most pressure amongst his Championship 4 rivals, as he fears the window to win the coveted title is closing.

During the NASCAR Championship 4 Media Day, Denny Hamlin shared a hopeful message for Sunday's race at Phoenix Raceway. The 60-time Cup race winner said (via Racer.com):

“I certainly feel like we’re a deserving team. If we were to win it, we’re a very deserving team. We’ve paid our dues in this thing, so hopefully it all happens.”

Furthermore, the veteran driver Hamlin shared his thought process heading into the NASCAR finale. He continued:

“I would think it would probably be me, simply because of the time left. 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, concluded Denny Hamlin.”

However, his road to Championship glory won't be a walk in the park. Hamlin will be joined by his teammate Chase Briscoe. The duo will be racing against two Hendrick Motorsports drivers, Kyle Larson and William Byron, for the ultimate showdown in Arizona.

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"It psychologically makes you feel better": Denny Hamlin gets real about Team Penske missing out on Championship 4 race

Speaking on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin addressed the psychological effect of Team Penske drivers, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, missing out on a berth after getting eliminated in the Round of 8.

He said:

"It certainly psychologically makes you feel better. I don't know that it really matters. You're an idiot if you don't respect what they've done at that racetrack, right? I know Blaney downplayed this weekend quite a bit about people just expect me just because I've won the last two Martinsville races, I'm going to go do it again. He's like, it's not that easy. And he's right, but he nearly did again" [38:53 onwards]

"And so when the media talks about mostly keeping Penke out, it's just because you have to respect what they've done, added Hamlin.

For the past three seasons, Penske drivers have dominated the Phoenix race by lifting the NASCAR Cup Series trophy. However, with their absence, the field is wide open for the two heavyweight NASCAR teams for a chance at the coveted title this Sunday, November 2, at 3 p.m. ET.