Heading into Sunday’s finale at Phoenix Raceway, Denny Hamlin was in prime position to finally break through for the coveted title. He claimed the pole position for the 2025 Championship Race, putting himself in the driver’s seat to end a long-standing quest. All season long, Hamlin had built momentum, stringing together wins, locking into the Championship 4, and arriving at the final round with his best shot yet. The narrative had all the makings of a redemption arc for the 44-year-old veteran.

From the green flag, Hamlin commanded the race. He led a remarkable 208 laps, the most by any championship contender, by far his most dominant performance in a title decider. He even posted the fastest lap of the day, appearing in full control of the outcome. Yet, with fewer than five laps remaining, a caution flag crashed down on his championship dream: a last-minute incident due to William Byron’s tire issue sent the race into overtime.

Under that caution, Hamlin’s team elected to pit for four fresh tires, hoping to defend with speed. But other contenders took fewer tires or stayed out, gaining track position. Hamlin restarted deep in the field, in 11th, row five on the inside, while the only championship rival ahead of him, Kyle Larson, lined up in a much better spot.

The result: Hamlin crossed the line sixth, just missing the cut for the title and handing Larson his second Cup crown. The loss stings for more than just one race. Hamlin came into 2025 with purpose: six wins during the regular season (including his 60th career victory) and a team that had matured into a genuine threat.

He was more than ready, and maybe more prepared, than in any of his past Championship 4 runs. But this time, the race didn’t slip away because of a lack of effort; it unraveled in those final moments, in the kind of chaos that no driver can fully control.

The emotional toll was visible. After climbing from the car, Hamlin sat quietly for over a minute before trudging to the media center, saying simply he was “numb” and in shock. His crew chief and family stood by him, but no amount of comfort could erase the what-if of how close he came.

Jordan Fish, his partner, was equally devastated. When Hamlin was lost after getting out, they shared heartfelt hugs as she continuously wept, looking at him. Having nothing to say, she took to X and just posted one heartbreak emoji. Because that was enough to describe her state.

Hamlin described the day like this: “We were 40 seconds from a championship.” Still, even in defeat, there’s recognition of how strong the effort was. Crew chief Chris Gayle called Hamlin’s run “champion-level preparation.”

So while the title remains elusive, Hamlin’s performance in 2025, from pole to laps led to clutch race-craft, underscored why he remains one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. Aside from everyone talking about Hamlin on X, fans were seen consoling Jordan Fish, too.

Fan reactions wrap arms around Fish’s heartbreak

Reacting to Fish’s post, one fan summed up that feeling perfectly: “The guy has worked so hard and given so much to NASCAR over his career. In every race, you know it can always be DENNY TIME. It doesn’t matter who you root for; if you’re a true NASCAR fan, you know Denny Hamlin is a champion.” Those words ring true when you consider Hamlin’s record: 54 career Cup Series victories, three Daytona 500 wins (2016, 2019, 2020), and over 13,000 laps led.

Despite the lack of a championship trophy, he’s finished inside the top five in points seven times and has been a consistent playoff presence since the system’s inception. Hamlin’s longevity with Joe Gibbs Racing, paired with his role as co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, demonstrates the respect he’s earned across the sport.

Jordan Fish has been by his side through nearly all of it, often seen at the track supporting him through the heartbreaks, from 2010’s painful title loss to Jimmie Johnson to the recent blow at Phoenix.

Another comment took on a personal tone: “I turn 24 on Tuesday. He has been my biggest idol since my uncle brought me home a FedEx Racing poster when I was 5. All my jerseys have been the number 11 from t-ball through college. I have never been more gutted. Tell him thank you for being a great role model.”

Hamlin’s partnership with FedEx, the longest continuous driver-sponsor relationship in the Cup Series, has made the No. 11 car one of the most iconic in modern NASCAR. His professionalism on and off the track, often shared through Jordan Fish’s social media, has painted a picture of a devoted father and competitor who balances his career with family life. That relatability has made Hamlin a role model for a generation of fans who grew up idolizing his precision behind the wheel and his composure under pressure.

“I’ve never wanted a Toyota driver to win before today, but I really was hoping his dad would see him win a championship, since he’s won everything else that matters in the sport,” wrote another fan, echoing the emotional dimension that makes Hamlin’s story so compelling.

His father, Dennis Hamlin, has been a constant presence throughout his career, often appearing alongside Fish and their daughters in victory lane. That family element, the proud father, the supportive partner, and the two young girls cheering from the pit box, makes every missed title sting even more.

After years of coming close, from pit road errors to mechanical failures, each near-miss has become a shared heartbreak for the entire Hamlin-Fish family.

Finally, one fan’s optimism captured the enduring hope shared by Hamlin’s supporters: “That adds fuel to the fire next year. Wish he would’ve gotten that this year, but next year is his year!” It’s a sentiment that mirrors Hamlin’s own mindset, one Fish has often echoed publicly.

Despite being one of the sport’s veterans, Hamlin continues to run at an elite level, collecting wins in 2024 at Bristol, Pocono, and Richmond. Both he and Fish have spoken about how each disappointment only strengthens their resolve.

After the Phoenix finale, Hamlin told NBC Sports, “The fire still burns,” a statement that encapsulates not only his determination but the steadfast belief shared by Fish and millions of fans who still see him as a champion in every sense but the official record books.

Together, Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish remain symbols of perseverance, a couple whose resilience through years of “so close” moments has earned the respect and empathy of an entire sport.