NASCAR is a sport where 43-year-old drivers are frequently viewed as nearing the conclusion of their racing careers. But not Denny Hamlin. He is a veteran who has defied expectations and continues to dominate the tracks with determination and grit.
Denny Hamlin is also not someone who hides his feelings. So when Dale Earnhardt Jr. invited him to his podcast, everyone expected a forthright Hamlin, and he did not disappoint. From the “X” aspect behind the infamous Cup Series MO to his “prediction” about the Dover race, he revealed everything.
Health at the center-stage for Denny Hamlin
Dale Jr, like others, was impressed by Hamlin’s great achievements and felt compelled to ask him the burning question.”I know it seems like I say this every year, but like you’re running better right now than I think you ever have!” He chimed in, “I always say that 43 is when drivers start to nose over when the performance starts to go down but damn dude I mean how long do you think you can do this?”
Hamlin explained how his physique plays an important part and is the determining “X” element. He exhaled and remarked, “It’s bad, it’s bad,” referring to his previous health issues. From knee surgery to shoulder surgery to chronic back pain.
Hamlin went ahead to mention that he is working hard on his body and its maintenance. He also emphasized “feeling good” in his current state, so perhaps his fans have nothing to worry about- yet! As per Hamlin, more than actually winning, he wants to be sure each season that he can win 36 out of 36 races. So, he also hinted at the possibility of having to resort to reassessing his career if the ‘X’ factor toppled even a bit.
Despite his battles with health, he has been an absolute trailblazer this year. But apart from being a legendary racer, defying the odds, and battling through his health concerns, he also seems to fit another role perfectly. The role of a stellar fortune-teller!
Denny Hamlin, on having the extra motivation to win races
During the same podcast interview, Dale Jr asked Hamlin about his odd forecast before the Dover race. “When you said, hey we’re gonna win do on your podcast um did you believe that” ? Hamlin replied with a loud YES! He stated that he would not have discussed it if he had doubts about his ability to complete the task. He went on to say that his recent experiences had only increased his desire to win. He explained, “Because I was pissed off after two horrible weeks on the track, where I crashed while aiming for the win. Then I crashed saving fuel, I believe at Talladega, so I’d have a little extra motivation in my veins.”
However, we knew from his previous interviews and sit-downs that he wanted to win as much as possible this year. In one, he stated, “I believe it is in my best interests to return to basics, which is to do what I believe is necessary to win the race for myself. While having partners is beneficial and can be used to win races in some instances, I believe that those who are the most selfish, who make movements for themselves, are more likely to win.
All we can tell is that this 43-year-old is making unprecedented progress, with three wins already in 2024. We can almost imagine him pursuing more such victories.
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