Denny Hamlin entered the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway as the most dominant contender. He secured the pole and led a race-high 208 laps as the checkered flag approached. But a caution on Lap 309 changed everything. With fewer than five laps remaining in regulation, his team opted for a four-tire pit stop while rivals chose fewer tires or stayed out.

Hamlin emerged deep in the field and ultimately crossed the line sixth, agonizingly close and yet so far from the title he chased so hard despite delivering a championship-caliber performance all day. The twist of strategy and timing robbed him of the final step, leaving fans and analysts to reflect on yet another near-miss in a career that badly wants the one trophy that still eludes him. But as many lose hope, Fox broadcaster Kaitlyn Vincie believes his story isn’t over yet.

Vincie lifts Hamlin

Vincie commented on X, saying, “I firmly believe @DennyHamlin will be a Cup Champion. The man has won 3 Daytona 500’s. He’s a 3-x Southern 500 winner. He’s won the 600. He has 60 wins.” It captured a sentiment growing in NASCAR circles, that Hamlin has the résumé, now it’s time for the missing piece.

With three Daytona 500s (2016, 2019, 2020), multiple Southern 500 wins (2010, 2017, 2021), and a milestone 60th Cup Series victory, Vincie’s point is simple: Hamlin’s trophy shelf is already full; just the championship is overdue.

Hamlin’s situation is unique. He ranks among the most successful drivers ever in the Cup Series with 60 wins to his name, yet the NBA-style playoff format and one-win trophy at season’s end have left his legacy without the ultimate title.

Vincie’s acknowledgement that “A Championship doesn’t define him as a wheelman, but I do think we will get to see it happen before he hangs up the helmet” reflects both respect for his accomplishments and belief in what’s still to come.

The belief in Hamlin’s eventual championship stems from several factors. First, his record in marquee races: winning superspeedway events like the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 (he won in 2022) shows he can perform with pressure on the line.

Second, his consistency: competing in the Championship 4 and playoff rounds year after year, Hamlin has proven he’s not just a flash in the pan but a perennial contender. Third, his experience: now in his 20th-plus Cup season and still in top equipment with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin retains resources, track knowledge, and a hunger to win.

Recent news further supports the sense of momentum. In the 2025 season, Hamlin clinched his 60th Cup win to tie a major milestone for active drivers. The drive toward that number was symbolic, as each additional win increased the “when, not if” atmosphere surrounding his championship hopes.

Coverage of the sport noted that Hamlin has “the most wins in NASCAR Cup Series history without a championship,” and that narrative alone adds both pressure and expectation.

Nevertheless, barriers remain. The playoff format, competition from younger drivers like Kyle Larson and William Byron, and sheer luck involving pit strategy, cautions, or mechanical issues all play roles.

But Vincie’s optimism is grounded. Hamlin has already ticked the big race boxes, shown longevity, proven the equipment and driver combination is working, and carried the reputation of greatness. The missing trophy may not define him yet, but increasingly the sport sees it as a matter of “when.” In short, Kaitlyn Vincie’s statement reflects a growing consensus.

Denny Hamlin has done nearly everything asked of him except win the title. Given his victories, clutch performances, team strength, and relentless drive, it’s increasingly plausible that the championship will come, and with that moment, his legacy as one of NASCAR’s greats will be complete. Vincie sees the crown coming, and Larson feels the push behind it.

Larson honors Hamlin

Kyle Larson stood tall at the end of the Championship 4 in Phoenix last Sunday, clinching his second title, which came at the cost of heartbreak for Denny Hamlin. With the dust now settled and reality sinking in, Larson has nothing but words of respect and admiration for the two-decade NASCAR veteran.

Hamlin may have lost his last real chance to become a champion, and Larson empathized with him. Larson also revealed that the Joe Gibbs Racing driver swallowed the bitter pill and came down to congratulate him on his victory.

Larson admitted that he would not have been as sporting as Hamlin was and said he hopes the No. 11 driver gets another shot at the championship and experiences the aura of being a champion firsthand. “Championship or not, I think we all know he’s a champion driver and a champion of our sport,” said Larson in an interview with NASCAR. “I hope he can someday feel the feeling of accomplishing a championship. It is something he has worked so hard for.”

Regardless of whether Hamlin ever wins a championship, he is certain to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and Larson made sure to emphasize that. When asked about this, the No. 5 driver explained how Hamlin’s relentless competitive spirit has pushed him to become a better race car driver.

“We’ve definitely had our fair share of good battles, especially over the past five years or so. But we’ve had our run-ins, too. Still, I always love competing with him. He’s the ultimate competitor on the racetrack and in any sport in which he’s involved. So, yeah, he’s definitely somebody who can push any competitor to the next level and somebody who’s definitely made me a better race car driver. So, I appreciate that.” Larson continued.

The relationship between Larson and Hamlin is a model that so many young rivals can take after. Despite their heavy competition on the track, they remain friends off the track and maintain a sincere mutual respect. This is what has even led Larson to feel a bit of sadness in his heart despite the overwhelming joy that the moment rightly demands.