Denny Hamlin Has a Wholesome Plan to Spend $1 million All-Star Race Prize

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin is one of the most dominant racers at Dover Motor Speedway and last Sunday during the All-Star race he yet again proved the No:11 car got the advantage over everyone else. He won the $1 million rewarding race, surviving the chaotic weekend that featured multiple wrecks, including Ryan Preece car bursting into flames.

It’s the second time Hamlin, who is getting paid over $14 million/Year in salary, is flying back home with the million-dollar cheque. But, unlike last time, he has a heart melting goal regarding how to spend the money. The No:11 Toyota Camry veteran wants to spend the money to buy some new furniture for his mother’s new house

Mom needs some new furniture for her new house.

Denny Hamlin told Kelly Crandall.

Denny Hamlin on the $1 million prize: "Mom needs some new furniture for her new house."

— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) May 17, 2026

What makes this special is the heartbreaking off-season Denny Hamlin had. He lost his sick father Dennis Hamlin after a tragic housefire. His mother Mary Lou Hamlin was hospitalized for long owing to injuries. The veteran racer wants to make his mother’s life feel normal again by helping her restart her life.

Later talking about the race, the veteran credited his crew for delivering a good vehicle and the groups mentality of always wanting to be number one. The long-run pace and the car being better than rivals in overtaking situation played a key role in the success.

It makes it a lot easier when you’ve got a car that’s fast, honestly…But strive to be No. 1. We did it today…I just knew that the game-changer for us was long runs, and obviously the ability to pass when we’re behind someone.

Denny Hamlin said post-race.

Denny Hamlin is mad not all of his Cup wins count for the official tally

This was the 67^th win of the JGR veteran in the Cup Series, of which only 61 are official wins. Four of the rest were Clash/Shootout weekend wins and with other two coming in All-Star events. He is not happy with how these wins are not counted in the official list and highlighted these triumphs matters a lot to him personally.

This one doesn’t count. It’s bulls**t…That’s my career. All the wins that really matter don’t count.

Denny Hamlin said.

Further talking about the point, the veteran asserted how these wins will matter for Hall of Fame debates and when discussion comes up about who is the better racer. The only time it won’t matter is when the sats sheet are discussed.

It’s cool. It will go on your résumé when they’re debating whether to put you in (the Hall of Fame) or not. Yeah, it doesn’t go on the stat sheet.

Denny Hamlin added.

The comments from the veteran seems to be on point and shows the unique status the exhibition races hold in NASCAR. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout for the star driver in the coming days.

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