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, currently competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, driving the No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE. Beyond driving, Hamlin is also a team owner, co-owning and operating 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan. He has had a successful career as a driver, achieving numerous wins and establishing himself as a significant figure in NASCAR.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2010: Chase for the Sprint Cup

In 2010, Denny Hamlin finished 43rd in the Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta, dropping in the Chase standings. However, he secured his spot in the 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup. In the first Chase race, he narrowly lost to Clint Bowyer after a spin caused by Carl Edwards.

2010: ACL Tear and Decision to Postpone Surgery

In 2010, Denny Hamlin tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while playing basketball on January 22. Despite the injury, he decided to postpone surgery until after the season to focus on competing. However, on March 27, he announced that he would undergo knee surgery the following Monday to prevent further damage.

2011: Near Win at Budweiser Shootout

In 2011, Denny Hamlin nearly won the Budweiser Shootout, but the victory was denied when Kurt Busch passed him after Hamlin crossed the yellow line in turn four.

2013: Injury and Setback

In 2013, Denny Hamlin experienced a setback when a collision with Joey Logano resulted in severe damage to his lower back, forcing him to miss a significant portion of the early season.

2013: Hamlin misses races due to injury

In 2013, Denny Hamlin missed four races due to injury, marking a challenging period in his career.

2013: Rough Start to 2013 Season

In 2013, Denny Hamlin's season began with crashes in both the Sprint Unlimited and the Budweiser Duel, forcing him to use a backup car for the Daytona 500. At Bristol, he ran out of fuel despite leading the most laps. Controversy arose when he spun Joey Logano.

2018: Hamlin finishes outside top ten for first time since 2013

In 2018, Denny Hamlin finished outside the top ten for the first time since 2013 and ended a 12-season streak of winning at least one race.

2018: Eliminated from Championship Contention

In 2018, Denny Hamlin was eliminated from championship contention after the Round of 8. At Martinsville, Chastain's remarkable move pushed Hamlin out of the season finale contention, marking the first time since 2018 that he missed it. He finished the season fifth in points.

2019: Hamlin wins Daytona 500, suffers carbon monoxide poisoning

In 2019, Denny Hamlin won the Daytona 500 and suffered carbon monoxide poisoning during the spring race at Dover.

2019: Hamlin announces shoulder injury, advances to Championship 4

On November 1, 2019, Denny Hamlin announced a torn Glenoid labrum in his left shoulder. Despite the injury, he secured his fifth win of the season at Kansas and advanced to the Championship 4 for the first time since 2014.

2021: Hamlin secures Playoff berth despite winless Regular Season

In 2021, Denny Hamlin secured a Playoff berth despite not winning any races during the Regular Season, and criticized NASCAR's decision to use the road-course layout at Indianapolis.

May 3, 2022: Gabehart receives suspension

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

2022: Withdrawal from Xfinity Race

In 2022, Denny Hamlin planned to participate in the Xfinity race but withdrew to recover from a crash in the previous week's Cup Series race at Daytona, ensuring he was ready for the Cup Series playoff opener the next day.