As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series approaches, Denny Hamlin finds himself under intense scrutiny. He had started his 2024 season campaign on a very high note after winning three out of the first eleven races. However, as the season progressed, Hamlin’s performance waned, leading to questions about his future in the sport. Now, the upcoming season presents significant challenges for the veteran driver.
With major sponsorship changes, a new crew chief, and mounting expectations, Hamlin faces an uncertain future with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Adding to the growing uncertainty, NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick has cast doubt on Hamlin’s championship chances. He gave a candid verdict on Hamlin’s NASCAR future.
Kevin Harvick makes a bold prediction
The 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick has been known for his vocal nature. He never shies off pouring his heart out. True to his nature, Harvick did not hold back while discussing Hamlin’s chances in 2025. He pointed out that, despite years of trying, Hamlin has never secured a Cup Series championship and honestly feels his time has passed. Harvick also believes that the upcoming season could be a defining moment for the veteran driver but not in the way Hamlin hopes.
On the first episode of his Happy Hours podcast, Harvick was asked which current driver was under the most pressure. He said, “Denny Hamlin… I think right off the bat it’s these guys (insiders and journalists) who are going to ask them all the questions of ‘Can you win?’ and ultimately, that’s what it comes down to… He (Denny Hamlin) didn’t win the championship, and I don’t believe he will win a championship going forward. I think his best opportunity was with what he had, and I don’t know that he has time to rebuild something else into that.”
Harvick’s concerns stem from some major changes happening at Joe Gibbs Racing. Ahead of the 2025 season, Hamlin lost his primary sponsor FedEx after two decades. Though JGR has secured new sponsorship deals with King’s Hawaiian and National Debt Relief, the departure of such a key partner signals instability. Additionally, Hamlin will have a new crew chief, Chris Gayle, in 2025. His longtime crew chief Chris Gabehart moves into a different role within the team, still overseeing Hamlin’s car but in a less direct role. This shift in leadership adds another layer of uncertainty for the veteran driver.
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA South Point 400-Cup Practice & Qualifying Oct 19, 2024 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 11 during qualifying for the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Las Vegas Las Vegas Motor Speedway Nevada USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20241019_gav_sv5_038
Apart from off-track changes, Hamlin’s performance also helps Harvick in making up his mind. Since 2005, Denny Hamlin has been with Joe Gibbs Racing. He has won more than 50 Cup series races but has failed to put his hands on the championship. Harvick believes that Hamlin’s prime is over and with recent developments, he can’t have another shot at the title.
Adding to the drama, the 2014 Cup Series champion took things further. He compared Hamlin’s current position to Kyle Busch’s past struggles at JGR. Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, saw his JGR tenure end in disappointment. His primary sponsor, M&M’s, left the sport after 2022. JGR failed to secure a replacement, forcing Busch to look elsewhere. With no solid backing, he left the team and joined Richard Childress Racing in 2023.
Since joining RCR, Busch has struggled to find the same level of success he had at JGR. He failed to secure a win in the 2024 season, marking the first winless year of his career. Harvick fears that Hamlin could face a similar fate if things go south in 2025. “I feel like it could be [Kyle Busch] 2.0 if it doesn’t start well, just because he has so many other options on his side of the world to really focus on,” Harvick said.
However, unlike Busch, Hamlin has the advantage of co-owning 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan. This could serve as a backup plan if his time at JGR comes to an end. While Hamlin is still in a strong position within JGR, his 2025 season could determine his long-term future in the Cup Series. If results do not improve, he may find himself on the same path as Rowdy.
Denny Hamlin’s candid verdict on NASCAR’s new rule
As if Denny Hamlin didn’t already have enough on his plate, he has also taken a firm stance against NASCAR’s new ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ rule. The rule lets NASCAR add a 41st driver to a full 40-car field if the driver has world-class credentials. Notably, Trackhouse Racing and their Project 91 driver Helio Castroneves are set to use this rule in the season opener Daytona 500. However, ahead of the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, Hamlin gave a candid verdict on new regulations.
“I don’t know. I just think—it reeks of desperation and I don’t know how else to say it. It just feels like you are really trying to get any kind of headline you can to be relevant, and I don’t love it. To me, it is a short-term gain and, a long-term loss. You are the premier stock car series in the U.S. The premier racing sport in the U.S. Be the big boys and force people to come in here and get their credentials and do it the natural way.” Hamlin told the media.
Notably, the new OEP rule allows a high-profile driver to bypass the traditional qualification process and enter a Cup Series race through an exemption. However, if the driver fails to qualify and uses the provisional entry, their team forfeits all earnings from that race. Hamlin believes this move undermines the integrity of NASCAR’s competition. He also believes that every driver should earn their spot in the race through on-track performance rather than exemptions based on name recognition or outside accomplishments.
With all these off-track drama Hamlin faces major challenges ahead of the 2025 season. This season could define his career considering the scrutiny he is going to face. Yet, he must either rise under pressure or struggle to keep up. However, one thing is certain high stakes, intense scrutiny, and drama await Hamlin.
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