Mark Martin Brands Denny Hamlin as “One of the Greatest NASCAR Drivers Ever”

NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin has nothing but praise for Denny Hamlin who continues to win races despite father time catching up.

Mark Martin Brands Denny Hamlin as “One of the Greatest NASCAR Drivers Ever”

Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

There are handful of NASCAR drivers that raced in the sport for over two decade and was capable of winning races from day one to the day of retirement. Hall of Famer Mark Martin was on such driver, who raced in the elite division till his mid-fifties, winning races consistently.

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin is the only active driver in the garage that is writing a legacy similar to Mark Martin. Last Sunday at Las Vegas, the veteran secured the 61st win of his career and still stronger than ever at the age of 45. This has made many including the HOF to call him one of the all-time great racers.

So many people have changed the way they feel about him and he’s one of the greatest drivers ever.

Mark Martin said on Tuesday.

The ex-HMS driver is beyond impressed with the huge numbers the No:11 JGR drivers has put up in the Cup Series and winning in mid-40’s, an age where most champions retire. The duo also shares a uniquely similar career, as just as Mark Martin, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin has also never won a championship despite years of dominance.

I don’t care what car he drove, you look at his numbers and it’s some of the greatest ever, and I appreciate that he can win a race at 45 because most winners can’t win races at 45.

Mark Martin asserted, as reported by motorsport.com.

Furthermore, the veteran highlighted how he is impressed with the veteran racer working hard as it isn’t easy to win races once the racer gets into late 30’s. They lose the race craft that had helped them to stand out over the years. Noone can beat that father time, but with enough hard work Denny Hamlin can extend his Hall of Fame career like Martin.

It’s pretty damn cool. When he said after the race that he’s working hard, I believe it because I think it’s harder now to win at 50 than it was when I did it and it was hard then.

Mark Martin added.

Mark Martin declares Denny Hamlin can race five more years

In the same conversation, the legend admitted that he thinks the 23XI Racing co-owner is capable of racing five more years. Martin pointed out that Hamlin can race on the top level for many more years, like Kevin Harvick did.

Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin
Denny Hamlin and Mark Martin (Via IMAGO)

The way Denny looks, he could go another five years, and I know he probably won’t but it’s just harder now. Look at Kevin Harvick. It’s just harder when you get in your 40s, your mid-40s, and he’s one of the greatest to ever do it too. There are exceptions to this and Denny Hamlin is the exception right now.

Mark Martin said.

The Toyota driver has two more years left in his current contract with JGR and he has hinted multiple times last year that it might be his final contract. But it would be interesting to see if Hamlin might get inspired by Martin and sign another extension.

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