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The sting of defeat cuts deep in motorsports, and right now, nobody feels that pain more acutely than Denny Hamlin. Standing in the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge on Tuesday, where the NASCAR community gathered for its annual awards celebration. At this point, the 44-year-old veteran was still processing what had just happened two days earlier at Phoenix Raceway.Sunday’s championship race didn’t go his way. Kyle Larson claimed his second Cup Series title, and Hamlin was left wondering what could have been. Again. Will Denny Hamlin Return in 2026? When asked about his plans for the 2026 season, Hamlin’s response was measured but honest. “I mean, I plan to,” he said. “I have a contract to, but there’s, at this point, there’s just absolutely no way that I would even… I don’t even think about the race car right now. Just yeah, I’m gonna need some time on this one,” he continued, fighting back emotion. It’s the kind of raw honesty that resonates with anyone who’s ever poured everything into something only to come up short. This wasn’t just another race for Hamlin. This was another shot at the championship that continues to elude one of the sport’s most consistent drivers. Back in July, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver signed a multiyear contract extension that keeps him behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota through at least 2027. On paper, his future looked secure. But racing isn’t played on paper. It’s lived in those gut-wrenching moments when you’re so close you can taste victory, only to watch it slip away. The Weight of Sunday’s Loss Hamlin’s post-race comments on Sunday revealed just how much this one hurt. “In this moment, I never want to race a car ever again,” he admitted. Those words hang heavy, especially for longtime NASCAR fans who remember another crushing defeat at this same track. The parallels to Carl Edwards’ situation in 2016 are impossible to ignore. Edwards, also driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, suffered a bitter loss in the season finale that year. Shortly after, he walked away from Cup Series racing entirely, leaving fans and the sport shocked by his abrupt retirement. Nobody wants to see history repeat itself with Denny Hamlin. A Career Defined by Excellence: But Missing One Thing Let’s be clear about something: Hamlin has had an incredible NASCAR career. He’s won 54 Cup Series races. He’s made the Championship 4 multiple times. He’s proven himself as one of the most talented drivers of his generation. But that elusive championship trophy? It remains just out of reach. That’s what makes losses like Sunday’s so difficult and, by all accounts, gutting. It’s not about questioning his ability or his determination. It’s about dealing with the emotional toll of coming so close, so many times, and still not getting there. What Happens Next? The 2026 NASCAR season kicks off February 1 with the Cook Out Clash exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium. When asked if he’d have his answer by then, Hamlin offered a glimmer of perspective: “I mean, the good news is the banquet’s two weeks earlier this week, so the offseason is a little bit longer, but I’ll get over it. Just, it’s gonna take a minute.” There it is. “I’ll get over it,” he added. Those four words matter. They suggest that while the wound is fresh and painful right now, Hamlin recognizes this feeling won’t last forever. He’s a racer at his core, and racers don’t stay down for long. The Mental Game of Championship Racing What we’re witnessing is the human side of professional motorsports. These drivers are often portrayed as fearless warriors who shake off disappointment and immediately focus on the next race. But the reality is more complex. They feel things deeply, especially when championships are on the line. Hamlin’s willingness to be vulnerable about his emotional state shows maturity and self-awareness. He knows he needs time to process this loss before he can commit mentally to another season of grinding it out on the track. Why NASCAR Needs Denny Hamlin While Hamlin contemplates his future, it’s worth remembering what he brings to the sport. His consistency is remarkable. His feedback helps improve the cars. His ownership stake in 23XI Racing, the team he co-owns with Michael Jordan, gives him a unique perspective on NASCAR’s business side. Beyond the statistics and business ventures, Hamlin represents something important: perseverance. His continued pursuit of that championship, despite repeated setbacks, makes for compelling storytelling. It’s the kind of narrative that keeps fans invested, wondering if this will finally be his year. The Road Ahead As the NASCAR offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Denny Hamlin. Will he return with renewed determination? Will he take the Carl Edwards route and walk away? Right now, even he doesn’t have those answers. What we do know is this: Hamlin has a contract through 2027, a proven track record of excellence, and a support system at Joe Gibbs Racing that wants him back. The infrastructure for success is there. The question is whether Hamlin can mentally and emotionally commit to another championship chase. Final Thoughts The coming weeks will be crucial. As the initial shock and disappointment fade, Hamlin will need to decide if he’s ready to climb back in that race car and give it another shot. Based on his track record and competitive spirit, smart money says he will be. But right now? Right now, he’s taking the time he needs. And honestly, that’s exactly what he should be doing.
