Hamlin’s next target 

As he chases an elusive NASCAR Cup Series title, Denny Hamlin, has hinted when his lengthy career could end.

At 44 Hamlin is one of the veterans of the NASCAR field, having made his debut back in 2005 with 713 starts under his belt.

He has achieved almost everything with three Daytona 500 wins, plus successes in the Coca-Cola 600 and All Star Race.

But one thing has remained out of reach, the NASCAR Cup Series crown.

Fresh from his 59th win and a record-equalling 56th with Toyota, Hamlin has opened up on how longer his career will go. His current contract expires at the end of 2027.

“Just got to be a means to an end. I’m just not going to leave this sport on my deathbed, you know, just leaking oil, running in the back of the pack,” he said. 

“I have way too much pride for that. I’m way too cocky for that. There’s just no way. I want to be able to win my last race.

“To do that, I’m going to have to retire when I’m racing like this.”

When thinking about retirement Hamlin admitted it will be tough to find a new passion.

“I mean, certainly there will be a huge, huge void,” he said. 

“I’ll find something else to latch onto. Yeah, I mean, certainly I’m a results-based person. 

“When I can come out here and race against guys like half my age and be able to beat ’em, like, that’s very gratifying for me. 

“That’s what I’m going to miss. That will be the toughest part about hanging it up.”

But having finished in the top three four times in the last two decades, Hamlin has no doubt what he needs to achieve before he hangs up the helmet.

“It’s just we haven’t won that stupid, freaking last race in the season that crowns the champion,” he said.

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