Denny Hamlin Drops Bombshell on NASCAR Retirement

After much talk about NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin‘s potential retirement, the 44-year-old driver has confirmed that he will part ways with the sport after two years.

Hamlin’s current contract with Joe Gibbs Racing expires at the end of 2027, marking his current deal as his last in NASCAR. Despite talks about his stock car racing exit, he has been performing at a top level, securing five victories in the season thus far. Given his strong performances in the ongoing playoffs, Hamlin could secure his first championship.

Speaking to Shannon Spake, Hamlin revealed in a video on X that he has two years left in the sport and that he wants to continue performing at a high level when he leaves. He said:

“I feel confident that I got two years left, and that’ll be it. I just want to keep doing this at a high level, and I feel like that’s a confident number in which I can still perform at this type of level.

“I have too much ego, too much pride to just continue to do this… So I’d just rather shut it down early and whatever the result is, it is.”

When asked if he would make one-off NASCAR appearances after his retirement, Hamlin said:

“Maybe. I just think it would be really, really difficult to be competitive if I didn’t do it week in, week out. Maybe with the simulation world we have nowadays, it could make it a little easier. But I just don’t know. I just think when I’m done, I’m done.”

Newsweek Sports reported Hamlin’s comments after his win at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, where he addressed the most challenging part about retirement. He said:

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

He added:

“You never know when it’s your last. This could be my last win. This could be the last time I’m talking to you with my driver’s suit on after a race. We just never know. I try my best to enjoy the moment and do the best I can to rile up the fans any chance I get.”