Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 2 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Denny Hamlin

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

No. 11 Car – Joe Gibbs Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	2nd
Wins	6
Points	5,031
Stage Points	232
Stage Wins	6
Laps Led	1,024
Lead Lap Finishes	31
Average Finish	14.0
DNFs	4
Races since last win	3

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Denny Hamlin has had such an awful offseason, that just finding some normalcy to start 2026 might be a success for him.  I’m hesitant to put him in Championship-or-bust mode this year, because he’s been in it for years, and last year might have been his best opportunity.  I’d like to see Denny Hamlin win another few races this year, and maybe the new Chase format plays into his hand to win a championship? Or maybe it doesn’t, and that’s okay.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

Best-Case is going to have to be Hamlin winning the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.  He’s been pining over this since the start of his storied career, and it has not materialized.  He’s got the skills to do it, he just needs some luck, for a change.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

If you believe in the chaos of the universe, it’s probably most likely that Denny gets about as close to winning a championship as possible, and something super weird and fluky happens and he doesn’t.  Apologies to Denny fans everywhere.

Bold Prediction?

I’m not sure how bold it is, but I’ll say Denny wins the Championship, and then immediately retires from driving.