Denny Hamlin landed in Phoenix with only a single goal- to add the one championship to his profile that has eluded him for 20 years. But fate had other plans for Hamlin as he watched the championship title slip away at the final moment of the 2025 championship race. After deciding to win the race for his allied father and everything in his favor, the loss hit harder than expected. Amidst the loss, Hamlin has one thing to cheer for: support from his fans. Recently, he discussed what the support from fans meant to him during tough times.

During a recent episode of the podcast Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin, Hamlin discussed what the support from fans during the rough phase after the championship race meant to him. “I think that the fans have helped that quite a bit. I mean, you know, I have seen your messages and whatnot, and I really, really do appreciate the fans, you know, being so supportive.”

After losing the race, the support from the fans offered unexpected comfort to Hamlin. It was this support that made Hamlin rediscover a new purpose. Although Hamlin must have received thousands of messages post his defeat, there was one incident that Hamlin discussed, which allows others to understand the depth of the impact.

When Hamlin was going for breakfast at an airport after losing the race, he met a family (a fan with his mother and wife) there, and every one of them was his biggest supporter. Hamlin mentioned that the mother was crying, and she even said, “her son would just absolutely die to be here.” This encounter made Hamlin rethink that the joy he brought to this family is more valuable than the championship.

This wasn’t his first championship loss, but this time, the bid for the 2025 championship was more valuable. This is because he was going to win the race for his ailing father. Hamlin even discussed how his father reacted after he returned home without the title.

“He was fine. Very supportive. He didn’t like the outcome, but I think he was still okay with the result. You know, he said to me, just like a lot of people say…he’s like, ‘I don’t know what to say. You had it. You did it. You just don’t have the trophy, that’s it.'”

Without the title, Hamlin has become the longest tenured driver in the NASCAR Cup Series who hasn’t won a championship. The last time he came this close to winning the championship was in 2010, when he ended up in the second spot as Jimmie Johnson won the race.

Although Hamlin has found solace in his fans’ support, the big question for the fans right now is, will Hamlin race next year?

What are the chances of Denny Hamlin’s participation next year?

Hamlin was so disappointed after the race that he didn’t attend the press conference, and he even missed the podcast he usually does on Mondays. But as soon as he was back to answer, the first question he faced was his thoughts on participating next year.

“I mean, I plan to,” Hamlin said at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, where a NASCAR award celebration was organized. “I have a contract to, but there’s, at this point, there’s just absolutely no way that I would even … I don’t even think about the race car right now. Just yeah, I’m gonna need some time on this one.”

Back in July of this year, Hamlin received a contract extension with the Joe Gibbs Racing team. This was a multi-year contract extension that allows Hamlin to continue driving the No. 11 Toyota for at least 2027.

Hamlin’s situation might have improved after the support from fans, but that doesn’t mean he will be back on track, preparing for the next championship from tomorrow. He will need some time, and fans will be hoping he returns stronger next year.