Denny Hamlin makes heartbreaking admission over father ahead of NASCAR title battle
Denny Hamlin is set to compete in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway, but his father, Dennis, will not be in attendance as he is dying
In a heartbreaking revelation, Denny Hamlin shared that the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship will be the "last chance" for his father, Dennis, to see him achieve his dream.
Hamlin has secured his spot in the Championship 4 in Phoenix for the 2025 season. The 44 year old racing veteran earned his place in the finale by winning a thrilling Round of 8 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Throughout his impressive career, Hamlin has racked up 60 career Cup Series wins, including three Daytona 500s. However, he has yet to clinch the coveted championship, earning him the title of the best driver never to win the Cup. It comes after Hamlin dismissed concerns over 23XI Racing's legal battle.
As Hamlin prepares to take on Phoenix Raceway, he is seen as the sentimental favorite to win the championship. However, his father won't be there to witness it.
Dennis is fighting a severe illness, and Hamlin disclosed that he is dying. "I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don't want him going and never getting to see the moment," Hamlin confessed to The Associated Press.
Dennis introduced his son to motorsports at an early age and sacrificed "really his and my mom's life to chase around my dreams," Hamlin admitted, according to nascar.com. Now, Hamlin will have the opportunity to win a long-awaited title with his father watching from a distance.
After his triumphant win in Las Vegas, securing his spot in the Championship 4, Hamlin was visibly moved and teary-eyed. He took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices his parents made to help him achieve his NASCAR dreams.
Once back home in North Carolina, Hamlin celebrated with his father, sharing: "He was just so happy, and he always tells me I'm the best, no matter if I win or not, he always says I'm the best. He's a big hype guy, and I sat in his garage and talked with him. He's got all my old memorabilia, and it's just good to reminisce.
"He's a reminiscent guy, and right now I am just cherishing those hours that I have with them each week."
Even Kyle Larson, Hamlin's competitor, admitted he wouldn't be disappointed if the Joe Gibbs Racing star clinched the championship if he couldn't. Speaking to the AP, Larson said: "He's a deserving champion and nearing the end of his career, so if I couldn't win, I'd love to see him because you'd think he'd have one on his resume. He deserves it.
"I could see how (his dad) absolutely gives extra motivation, and I think sympathy goes a long way. It's not going to stop me from wanting to beat him, but there's a lot of reasons a Denny Hamlin championship would feel good. I truly think everybody in the sport would be happy, probably even the folks at NASCAR."