Denny Hamlin Declares Cup Race Wins “Carry Its Weight Long” Over Championships

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin feels he would have a better legacy than Cup champions who don’t have many race wins on their resume.

Denny Hamlin Declares Cup Race Wins “Carry Its Weight Long” Over Championships

Denny Hamlin (Via @JoeGibbsRacing/X)

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Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin made history on Sunday, as he secured 200th Cup race win for the team, while also marking his 59th victory, one win away from his dream 60th win. The 44-year-old is closing his retirement faster than ever. Recently he has given his though on his legacy in the sports with no NASCAR championship to his name.

Denny Hamlin after his Gateway win, while talking about upcoming retirement, admitted that the one thing he always has been concerned about coming into the season was how many more races he has left to fight for wins, with tracks such Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he has never won being the top priority.

It’s always been about number of races. The only one I thought about was this year and the Daytona 500, thinking that probably only going to do this twice more. Brickyards, right? I haven’t won the freaking Brickyard. I’m going to have two more shots at it, and that’s it, to round this thing out. There’s certain races that I do have countdowns for.

Denny Hamlin said on Gateway press conference (Via On3.com).

He isn’t concerned about championship on the same level as race wins, as he is okay with ending his racing career without one. The veteran believes his race win record will carry more legacy than the racers who has less wins but more Bill France cups. He believes his stats will be enough for the fans tp realize who is the better driver.

Championships isn’t one of ’em. Obviously, it’s well-documented that I want to get the wins, and I feel like that will carry its weight long after. When you compare me to someone that’s maybe got one or two, maybe three championships, and half the wins, I don’t think that person’s better than I am.

Denny Hamlin added.

Denny Hamlin gives his dad a shoutout and credit Bill Murray for the win

On his post-race press conference Denny Hamlin had a lot of personals to thank for his impressive win, as Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing gave him an impressive car. He also gave a shoutout to his father who is sick, as well as his family who was cheering for him from the grandstands.  

Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin (David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier via AP)

Yeah, it’s so big for everyone at Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing. The Toyota was just great there at the end. And so happy to get this victory and my dad’s not feeling well at home. So just shoutout to him, the whole family’s here, so fantastic day and it couldn’t be better. … Just step up.

Denny Hamlin said.

He also gave some credit to comedian Bill Murray, who was the grand marshal for the race to talking with his crew as well as supporters, to make to remain on the back of his. Hamlin also thanked the passionate fans that cheered for him, in the midst of the boos from the rest as he is one of the most hated racers in the series.

I just told (Bill Murray) him to talk to the guys behind me and make sure they stay behind me the rest of the race. So, we made that happen. Man, it’s just a great victory. Love that Denny Time flag. You all can boo me, but you can either get on the bandwagon, or you can get run over by it.

Denny Hamlin added.

The comments from the veteran drivers shows he feels pretty confident about his form and how his team is performing so far in the playoffs. With five wins to his Cup race wins to his name in this season, it would be interesting to see how many more victory lane visits are left in him this year.

Also Read: “This Could Be My Last Win!” Denny Hamlin Teases Retirement After Gateway Playoffs Victory