When Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag at Las Vegas, it wasn’t just another win; it was a statement. The 44-year-old veteran, often the center of both cheers and jeers, delivered one of the most emotional victories of his career. His 60th Cup Series triumph tied him with Kevin Harvick on the all-time wins list and secured his long-awaited return to the Championship 4.

But beyond the stats and strategy, this one meant something. From starting on pole to surviving chaos and outdueling the field in the closing laps, Hamlin showed the grit of a driver who still refuses to fade. Yet, what happened after the race, the fans’ reactions, caught even Hamlin by surprise, reminding him of a NASCAR legend, yes, the Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt himself, whom he once hated.

Denny Hamlin’s Dale Earnhardt connection

Denny Hamlin is one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures, and he fully embraces it. “I’m okay with whatever they choose,” Hamlin mused. “If you want to boo me, I am okay with that. It does not hurt my feelings at all.” Known for riling up fans with his confident, sometimes confrontational style, and memorable quips like “I beat your favorite driver – all of them.” Hamlin has never tried to soften his image. His directness and racing prowess have made him a “heel” in the sport, the driver fans love to hate but can’t ignore.

Reflecting on his Vegas win, Hamlin drew parallels to a defining childhood moment, when he hated Dale Earnhardt. But then one moment changed his outlook towards the NASCAR legend. “I watched Dale Earnhardt win the Daytona 500. I hated Dale Earnhardt. I was a Bill Elliott guy. But I recognized that moment for him and how significant that moment was for him. And I became a fan of his for that day, for that moment,” he said.

The 1998 Daytona 500 holds a legendary place in NASCAR history as the moment Dale Earnhardt finally broke through to win the sport’s most prestigious race after 19 attempts. Earnhardt had dominated nearly every other major event at Daytona, but the 500 had eluded him amid heartbreaks and bad luck, including flat tires, late cautions, and pit road issues.

The significance of the win was profound. It ended a 59-race winless streak for Earnhardt and fulfilled a career-long dream. In Victory Lane, his emotional celebration with crew members from every team lining pit road in respect became one of NASCAR’s most cherished moments. Earnhardt famously tossed a stuffed monkey from his shoulder, symbolizing that he finally shook the “monkey off his back.” And for Hamlin, he finally started respecting The Intimidator.

Hamlin’s emotional connection to the Las Vegas victory ran deeper than just points or stats. Facing his father’s ailing health and his family’s sacrifices, the win represented more than a triumph on the track. “I got a lot of boos pre-race,” Hamlin recalled, “but when I got out of the car and it was all cheers, I was like, ‘Wow, they’re giving me my moment.’ I’m very grateful for that.” With no championship yet in his illustrious career, Hamlin’s fight remains as personal as it is professional, making every fan reaction part of his journey.

This is Hamlin’s year to finally win it all

NASCAR insiders are rallying behind Denny Hamlin as a frontrunner to clear the final hurdle and capture his elusive first Cup Series championship. Former driver Jeff Burton sees this season as different. Hamlin’s five wins entering the playoffs, including a commanding victory at World Wide Technology Raceway, reflect his peak performance.

Burton pointed to Hamlin’s mature approach, consistency, and resilience as keys to finally winning the ultimate prize after years of near misses and heartbreaks. “Mentally, he’s [Hamlin] ready mentally. Steve’s [Letarte, also on the show] been in this grind. You get into this, and it’s not easy. It is very difficult when the lights come on, and the pressure is there to go execute, and he’s ready, and the team’s ready, the Toyotas are fast. The team’s right. He’s right. But I just think emotionally he’s the strongest he’s ever been.” Burton said.

Meanwhile, longtime commentator Steve Letarte doesn’t mince words about Hamlin’s status in NASCAR. “Denny Hamlin is the biggest star in the NASCAR garage, and it’s not even close at that point,” Letarte declared. Beyond stats, Hamlin’s magnetic personality, fierce competitiveness, and championship-or-bust attitude have made him a defining figure of the modern era. His success with 23XI Racing and ability to cultivate fan loyalty despite his polarizing nature just highlight his star power.

Both agree that Hamlin’s relentless work ethic and peak form in 2025, combined with his emotional drive to honor family sacrifices, especially amid his father’s health struggles, could finally translate into an elusive championship. At 44 years old with a resume boasting 60 wins, Hamlin enters the playoff finale as a proven winner ready to do whatever it takes. This year, the stage is set. The racing world waits to see if Hamlin can finally claim the crown he has so long chased.