Denny Hamlin finds himself in unfamiliar territory. For the first time in the Next-Gen era, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran will be competing for the elusive Bill France Cup at Phoenix Raceway later this year. Two dominant decades in the Cup Series, but not a single championship to his name. But that could change in just a few weeks, especially if the 44-year-old shows the kind of form that has led him to six wins already this year.

But ending Team Penske’s dominance will be easier said than done. Especially for crew chief Chris Gayle, who has never guided a driver for the championship before. But he’s hoping that Hamlin, with his vast experience and innumerable heartbreaks, will be able to guide the No. 11 crew to silverware.

Chris Gayle is already focused on the Phoenix race

It was an emotional victory. When the checkered flag was waved at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a teary-eyed Denny Hamlin got out of his Toyota and gave credit to his crew members. The No. 11 passed two cars in the final 10 laps, taking the lead from teammate Chase Briscoe with 4 to go and holding off Kyle Larson, the most dominant driver of the day, to win by 1.533 seconds. The win simply meant more because it was his ticket to the Championship 4, and the veteran driver’s 60th Cup Series win.

But the job is not done yet. Standing between Denny Hamlin and the championship is the final race in Phoenix, and Chris Gayle has a game plan in place. Sharing his thoughts in the post-race interview, the crew chief said, “So, there’s a plan in place. I know what I’ll do. I just wasn’t sure this was an option. Obviously, you put your plan in place and go, ‘Okay, if I can win in Vegas, then I’m going to work on Phoenix right, for the next couple of weeks,’ and that gives us the luxury of doing it.”

But inexperience could prove to be a major kryptonite for Joe Gibbs Racing, especially with Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano in contention as well. Team Penske has dominated the Cup Series in the Next-Gen era, winning every championship since 2022. But Gayle has an ace up his sleeve, especially with Hamlin behind the wheel. He said, “Well, I’m hoping he’s going to help me with that a little bit, right? Like he’s a mature guy. He’s been through all that, right? I haven’t been there, obviously. What will I tell him?”

After signing a new contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin has already implied he could retire from full-time racing in the next few years. With time running out, this season might be the Virginia-native’s best opportunity to win the championship, especially given his experience and form. With two more races remaining before the season finale, the veteran and Chris Gayle will take the next few weeks to have a robust plan in place for the biggest race of Hamlin’s long career.

Joe Gibbs opens up about Denny Hamlin’s evolution

Denny Hamlin has been around the block. He made his debut with Joe Gibbs Racing and has stuck with the No. 11 team ever since. A lot has changed since the sport, the playoff format, and the driver as well, but his hunger and desire to lift the championship haven’t faded one bit. With the last few races of the season remaining, team owner Joe Gibbs looks back on how his prized asset has developed in the last few decades.

Sharing his thoughts in the post-race press conference, Gibbs said, “Honestly, I would say that probably one of the biggest changes in a personality is when Denny first came to us. He was so quiet. You had to try to get him to talk. Today, look at where he is today. It’s been so interesting to watch that over the years. I think part of it is maturing. I do think one of the changes, too, is family and everything he’s got going there with Jordan.”

From being just a racing driver, desperate to make a name for himself in stock car racing, Hamlin has evolved into a veteran who juggles his on-track responsibilities with ownership duties. Perhaps that’s why Joe Gibbs said, “I think Denny has gone through one of the biggest changes of almost anyone I know.” But will that character growth pay off at Phoenix Raceway, with the championship on the line? Time will tell. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!