“It Would be Hard!” Denny Hamlin is Eying Landmark Win at Pocono

Last Sunday at Michigan International Speedway saw Denny Hamlin producing another masterclass run. For the second straight weekend, he started on the back, took advantage the Toyota’s pace advantage and survived late race attack from young rivals to secure the win, his third of 2026. Going into this coming race at Pocono he is looking to continue the streak.

On his Actions Detrimental podcast, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran admitted that he is determined to give everything he has to secure a third straight win like his 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick did at the start of the season. He believes this Sunday will provide the No:11 TRD team the best chance at winning a race they’ve ever had.

It would be hard, but there’s no better opportunity than I’ve had at any point in my career to win Pocono. You’re going to one of my best tracks. Cars are obviously fast.

Denny Hamlin said on his podcast.

If Denny Hamlin want to win, their execution throughout the weekend should be perfect and needs to pray for a lucky break late in the race, potentially the leading getting involved in some incidents. The momentum he has now won’t be enough to beat the likes of Ryan Blaney and William Byron despite the fact that the veteran historically has been better at the venue.

Me and my team have it going right now. We know what we need every week. Our communication is great. They know exactly to what level to fix things when I ask for it. So, now’s as good an opportunity as ever.

Denny Hamlin added via Actions Detrimental.

Denny Hamlin gives an update on his racing career

One of the key discussions in the community amidst the impressive dominance shown by Hamlin is his future. He is 45-years old and potentially won’t much time leave in him to drive in the top division. The only two reasons why he is still racing is the Cup is the fact that the No:11 team is still competitive and his loyalty to the Gibbs. He admitted post-race at Michigan that his career past 2027 is still uncertain.

Well, I mean, I have a commitment to (Gibbs), no matter what, whether we win (the championship) this year or not. At the end of next year – Listen, I told them, ‘Just check with me in six months.’ But I don’t want to leave them kind of in flux

Denny Hamlin said.

There are multiple drivers in the TRD system that could take over the iconic No:11 Car, with Brent Crews being one of the front runners as Hamlin rates the youngster really high. The veteran is waiting for the moment at which he would realize he can no longer win the races against his young rivals.

They’ve got a great driver in Brent Crews that’s going to be ready, more than likely, by the end of next year. So, I don’t know. It’d be hard. If it was right now, it would be really hard. But I find it hard to believe that we’re going to be at this level at this time next.

Denny Hamlin added.

Losing Hamlin would be a massive hit for Joe Gibbs, as he would not only lose his most loyal racer ever but also one of the best mentors any of the young TRD prospects could ask for. It would be taken them a couple of years get back to dominating the sport again after the veteran retires.

Also Read: Christopher Bell to Race at Pocono Despite Wrist Injury After Chase Elliott Wreck