Challenges in the Life of Denny Hamlin in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Denny Hamlin. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Denny Hamlin is a prominent American professional stock car racing driver. He currently races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, piloting the No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing. Beyond his driving career, Hamlin is also a team owner, co-owning and operating 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan. He is one of the most recognizable faces in motorsports.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2010: ACL Tear and Decision to Postpone Surgery

In 2010, Denny Hamlin tore his ACL in his left knee while playing basketball. He decided to postpone surgery until after the season to focus on competing.

2011: Near Win in Budweiser Shootout

In 2011, Denny Hamlin was close to winning the Budweiser Shootout, but Kurt Busch passed him after Hamlin crossed the yellow line, costing him the victory.

2013: Rough Start to 2013 Season

In 2013, Denny Hamlin's season started with crashes in the Sprint Unlimited and Budweiser Duel. Later, at Bristol, he spun Joey Logano, causing controversy.

2013: Hamlin's Season Impacted by Injury in 2013

In 2013, Denny Hamlin's season was impacted by an injury which caused him to miss four races.

December 31, 2014: No. 11 Team placed on probation

On December 31, 2014, members of Denny Hamlin's No. 11 team were placed on probation after the Brickyard 400 car failed inspection.

2015: Close Calls and Mixed Results in 2015

In 2015, Denny Hamlin started at the rear in the Budweiser Duels due to a penalty. During the 2015 Daytona 500, he finished 4th. Later in Atlanta, Hamlin finished 38th after a wreck, and then finished 5th at Las Vegas but struggled in Phoenix, finishing 24th.

2017: Challenging Start to 2017 Season

In 2017, Denny Hamlin had a difficult start to the season, finishing 17th in the Daytona 500 after a crash and retiring in Atlanta due to mechanical failures, resulting in a 38th-place finish.

2018: Elimination from Championship Contention

In 2018, Denny Hamlin was eliminated from championship contention after the Round of 8. Ross Chastain passed Hamlin for the final Championship 4 spot at Martinsville.

2018: Playoff Elimination and Winless Season in 2018

In 2018, Denny Hamlin was eliminated in the Round of 16 and finished 11th in points, his first time outside the top ten since 2013. This was also his first winless season since 2006.

2019: Shoulder Injury and Championship 4 Appearance in 2019

In 2019, Denny Hamlin announced a torn labrum but still secured his fifth win of the season at Kansas and advanced to the Championship 4 for the first time since 2014, winning at Phoenix.

2019: Daytona 500 Victory and Carbon Monoxide Incident in 2019

In 2019, Denny Hamlin won his second Daytona 500, dedicating the win to J.D. Gibbs. He later suffered carbon monoxide poisoning during the Dover race.

2019: Controversy at Darlington in 2019

In 2019, Denny Hamlin's wins at Darlington were deemed "encumbered" due to an illegal rear suspension component, leading to penalties for him and his crew chief.

May 3, 2022: Gabehart Suspension

On May 3, 2022, Denny Hamlin's crew chief, Gabehart, received a four-race suspension after a tire and wheel loss at Dover.

2022: Withdrawal from Xfinity Race Due to Crash

In 2022, Denny Hamlin withdrew from an Xfinity race at Darlington to recover from a Cup Series crash at Daytona.

2023: Penalty for Intentionally Wrecking Ross Chastain

In 2023, on March 15, Denny Hamlin was penalized with a 25 points deduction and a $50,000 fine for admitting on his podcast that he intentionally wrecked Ross Chastain during the Phoenix race.

2024: Hamlin's 2024 Season Start

In 2024, Denny Hamlin began the season with a win at the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, faced a wreck at the Daytona 500 finishing 19th, and secured his first pole of the season at Phoenix.