Kligerman Stuns: Denny Hamlin Still a Threat After Phoenix Heartbreak
The rollercoaster of a 2025 season left Denny Hamlin’s future in NASCAR uncertain, but some insiders refuse to count him out. Hamlin came within laps of his first Cup Series title after a dominant year that included six wins and a strong run at Phoenix Raceway in the Championship 4. A late caution with four laps remaining and a strategic four-tire pit call ultimately cost him the championship, but the performance reaffirmed his competitiveness even amid turmoil off the track.
Beyond the on-track heartbreak, Hamlin’s 2025 campaign was marked by major upheaval. He adjusted to a new crew chief, lost longtime sponsor FedEx, and spent part of the year involved in the high-profile NASCAR lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan. Despite those distractions, Hamlin remained a force in the Cup Series and repeatedly showed resilience across the season.
The emotional weight of the year grew heavier with a personal tragedy: the death of his father, Dennis Hamlin, in a house fire, an event that also left his mother critically injured. Emergency responders reported flames visible from the attic when they arrived; authorities said the structure suffered collapse and that the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Hamlin shared that his mother’s condition is improving, but the loss has understandably cast a long shadow over his offseason.
Still, voices from the sport are predicting a comeback. On an episode of The Money Lap, when discussing likely front-runners for 2026, Landon Cassill and Parker Kligerman both mentioned Hamlin as the easy choice for the Cup scene — an implicit vote of confidence that he can return to contention. With a mix of recent on-track success, continued support within the sport, and clear determination after near-miss moments, Hamlin’s 2026 campaign will be watched closely as a potential turning point in his career.
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