Denny Hamlin Makes Heartwarming $2M Move Carrying on 13 Years of Legacy

While Denny Hamlin’s name has been splashed across headlines this year, from chasing down a long-awaited championship to juggling the latest lawsuit drama, there’s another story he’s been writing quietly off the track. Away from the roar of the engines, Hamlin has been carrying forward a 13-year legacy through the Denny Hamlin Foundation, which he co-founded in 2012 alongside Mark Bryan of Hootie & the Blowfish. What began as a small initiative has since blossomed into a cornerstone of his life outside racing, proving his drive for impact stretches far beyond the speedway.

At its heart, the foundation focuses on improving the lives of children with cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses, while also funding research, treatment programs, and youth development initiatives. According to official figures in 2022, the Pro-Am Jam, a flagship annual event under the foundation, has raised over $2.3 million since its inception, fueling projects at MUSC Children’s Health, Children’s Hospital of Richmond, and other local charities. Thirteen years on, the event continues to deliver on its promise, and 2025 was no different.

Denny Hamlin recently took to Instagram, sharing a picture with co-founder Mark Bryan, the Hootie & the Blowfish guitarist, where he celebrated the 13th year of the Pro-Am Jam. His caption read: “Thank you to everyone who was a part of this event again this year. When Mark Bryan and I started the Pro Am Jam in 2012, I never thought it would last 13 years and raise anywhere near $2 million, but yet it has went beyond all of our expectations. It’s a testament to the people who put on the event and the generous folks that attend and make this event possible every year.”

Philanthropy in NASCAR continues to expand the sport’s humanitarian footprint. The Kyle and Samantha Busch Bundle of Joy Fund has made a tangible impact by providing over $1 million in financial grants to couples seeking fertility treatments. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, committed to fighting childhood and ovarian cancer, continues its work through partnerships like the 2025 Honor a Cancer Hero online auction with The NASCAR Foundation. Not to be outdone, The Dale Jr. Foundation recently highlighted its ongoing success with the “Driven to Give Gloves” program, which raised over $60,000 in 2025 for pediatric care. These examples demonstrate that while the causes vary, the collective goal of NASCAR’s biggest names remains the same: to use their influence to make a lasting difference.

Coming back to the Denny Hamlin Foundation, its dedication to cystic fibrosis is highlighted by its establishment of the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In 2012, the foundation pledged $150,000 over three years to VCU, recognizing the institution’s role as a leading CF research center. Donations like these help fund crucial research, contributing to advancements that have, for instance, doubled the life expectancy of children diagnosed with the disease.

The foundation also actively supports other organizations that provide direct care, treatment advances, and overall quality-of-life care for children facing these challenges. In addition to its primary focus on cystic fibrosis, the foundation’s beneficiaries include the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation itself, MUSC Children’s Health, Safe Kids Worldwide, The NASCAR Foundation, and Victory Junction Gang Camp. Events like the Pro-Am Jam and the now-retired Short Track Showdown have played a vital role in raising awareness and funds, demonstrating Hamlin’s commitment to leveraging his platform for positive impact.

While Denny Hamlin carries multiple feathers in his hat, one feather is conspicuously missing: the coveted Cup Series championship.

Nineteen playoffs, no championship – will Hamlin win in 2025?

Despite 19 consecutive playoff appearances, the championship still eludes him. For nearly two decades, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran has been the model of consistency, yet the elusive title remains just out of reach as he admitted, “For 20 years I’ve tried to give an explanation of why one year is different than another, but truthfully they’re not different.” Still, with four wins this season, tied with Shane van Gisbergen for the most in the Cup Series, Hamlin is betting that perfect execution at traditional oval tracks might finally break the streak.

Off the track, Hamlin keeps his focus razor-sharp, brushing aside distractions from the ongoing 23XI Racing lawsuit and leaning fully on his crew chief, Chris Gayle. “I have got full confidence in him, and as long as he maintains that level head and doesn’t change based off of the moment, I think we’ll be successful,” he explained. The strategy is simple yet critical: maintain calm, execute flawlessly, and rely on experience. This is the “age-old NASCAR trick” Hamlin hopes will finally turn 19 years of playoff frustration into a long-awaited championship.

Denny Hamlin’s story is a reminder that trophies alone don’t measure legacy. Whether he finally secures the long-sought Cup championship or not, his work through the Denny Hamlin Foundation ensures his impact stretches well beyond victory lane, blending competitive drive with a lasting commitment to giving back.