Denny Hamlin Sets “Realistic” Career Win Goal After Vegas Triumph

Denny Hamlin has finally achieved his maiden race win in the 2026 season. The JGR Veteran suffered from some disappointing consequences at the beginning of the season. However, Hamlin has now achieved success at Las Vegas. Now, the 45-year-old has set a ‘realistic’ win goal for the remainder of his career.

Following the culmination of the 2025 season, Denny Hamlin went through some tragic moments in his personal life. He lost not only the Cup Series title at Phoenix, but he also lost his father in a tragic house fire accident. Moreover, his mother fought for her life following the accident. Now, Mrs. Hamlin is doing just fine as Hamlin was spotted sharing an emotional moment with his mother following his victory in Las Vegas.

Now, Denny Hamlin believes that he has achieved enough from NASCAR and has talked about his retirement plans. The 45-year-old accepted that realistically, he would end his career with 67 race wins. Hamlin reckoned that this was where his career would end, more than likely. Given the 45-year-old’s current average, he claims that 67 wins wouldn’t be too far-fetched.

I thought that realistically it was… I think I’m going to fall at 67, That’s where I think it ends more than likely. And then the next year, more than likely 67. That’s just by the numbers. That’s not any, ‘Oh I feel this, I feel that.’ That’s just where the numbers land averaging what I average.

Denny Hamlin said on the Actions Detrimental podcast.

Further, Denny Hamlin accepted that his win percentage was solid right now. Not many drivers have collected over 60 race wins over their career. The JGR veteran liked how he achieved race wins in over 20 different seasons. Hamlin emphasized that it was certainly hard to score this record, as not many drivers in the past have achieved it.

The win percentage is solid right now, I wasn’t sure what stat you were going to bring up, but I like the one about winning in 20 different seasons. That list was strong. I think it was Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty. Like, that one, because it’s hard, man.

Denny Hamlin added.

Kyle Petty makes brutal admission about Denny Hamlin crossing 70 wins

The Goodyear 400 at Darlington is up next, and Denny Hamlin has already set out his ambitions for the upcoming race. The JGR veteran has already warned the fans and drivers of the impending challenge at the upcoming race. Amid the upcoming difficulties, Kyle Petty has made a shocking prediction about Hamlin’s chances to cross 70 race wins and defeat other legends in terms of achievements.

Kyle Petty boldly claimed that Denny Hamlin wasn’t even going to get to 70 race wins. However, Petty accepted that it was simply his opinion. Further, the former NASCAR star asserted that Hamlin might very well be the last person to score over 60 victories. However, the 65-year-old is confident that the JGR veteran can atleast pass Kyle Busch in race wins, and put his name right under Dale Earnhardt Sr., which in itself is a massive feat.

I don’t think he’s gonna get to 70, but that’s just my opinion. I believe that he is the last guy we’re gonna see get to 60… Again, I’m not sure he can get to 70, but Denny Hamlin can pass Kyle Busch and put his name just in line under Dale Earnhardt Sr., and that is huge.

Kyle Petty said on Inside the Race.

The 2026 season could be the year of redemption for Denny Hamlin. The 45-year-old couldn’t quite win the championship in the previous season. However, Hamlin’s retirement is inching closer, as he is looking forward to quitting the sport by the end of the 2027 season. Despite his achievements in 2026, the veteran has already achieved enough from his long career at the pinnacle of stock racing.

Read More: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Breaks Silence on Carson Hocevar’s Dale Sr. Darlington Throwback Paint Scheme

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