Denny Hamlin Has Opinions, Trophies And Little Interest In Being Quiet
Key takeaways
- Sports Money Denny Hamlin Has Opinions, Trophies And Little Interest In Being Quiet By Greg Engle,
- What many forget is that more than two decades ago he arrived as a skinny, wild-eyed kid from Virginia simply trying to survive in NASCAR’s deep end.
- Early in his first full NASCAR Cup Series season at Pocono Raceway, Hamlin scored his first pole and went on to lead 83 laps on his way to his first career win.
Sports Money Denny Hamlin Has Opinions, Trophies And Little Interest In Being Quiet By Greg Engle,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Greg Engle is a Florida based reporter who covers NASCAR.Follow Author May 17, 2026, 07:19am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: Denny Hamlin poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at Charlotte Convention Center on January 21, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)Getty ImagesTo most of the NASCAR fandom, and indeed those inside the industry, Denny Hamlin is a seasoned veteran, a battle-scarred statesman who speaks his mind as freely as he drives a race car. He walks through the NASCAR garage like a man who owns part of it. Which, technically, he does.
What many forget is that more than two decades ago he arrived as a skinny, wild-eyed kid from Virginia simply trying to survive in NASCAR’s deep end. Hamlin first appeared on the scene in 2004, dipping his toes into the Cup Series waters while trying not to make too many waves.