9781422270783

REMARKABLE RUN It was clear from the outset that Hamlin was something special and that greatness simmered within him. During his remarkable rookie season, Hamlin won two races at Pocono Raceway in the jaw-dropping span of 42 days, a double dose of winning that hasn’t been duplicated by a rookie since. He also barged into the Top 5 on eight occasions and into the Top 10 a whopping 20 times during that stunning season on his way to wrapping his hands around the Rookie of the Year award. Hamlin is among a select group of drivers who have nabbed wins in NASCAR’s Top 3 series—Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks—and along with his stack of wins, the numbers he has put up as a Cup driver are mind boggling: he has more than 200 Top 5 finishes and more than 300 Top 10 finishes. The only missing piece on a career radiating greatness is capturing the Cup title, which he has come tantalizingly close to on several occasions. HEADED TO THE HALL Tough and tenacious, Hamlin has raced with a torn ACL and returned from a broken back. A savvy veteran—outspoken and opinionated—he tackles tough topics and advocates for positive changes on and off the track. As a forward-thinking businessman, Hamlin teamed with NBA icon Michael Jordan to create their 23XI Racing Team, headlined by Bubba Wallace, the second African American ever to win a NASCAR race. In his 40s, Hamlin continues to shine by snagging pole positions, winning races, and delighting his legion of fans. A model of consistency and excellence, he will be headed to the NASCAR Hall of Fame one day as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Here’s a look at eight big moments in a dazzling career.

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Superstars of the Speedway: Denny Hamlin