Denny Hamlin's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Denny Hamlin. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

June 11, 2006: First Cup Series Win at Pocono

On June 11, 2006, Denny Hamlin achieved his first career Cup Series win at the Pocono 500, also securing his second career pole that day.

2006: Rookie Year and Pocono Wins

In 2006, Denny Hamlin won both Pocono races during his rookie year.

August 3, 2009: Fifth career Cup win at Pocono

On August 3, 2009, Denny Hamlin won his fifth career Cup race at Pocono, breaking a 50-race winless streak and marking his third win at Pocono. The victory came shortly after the passing of his grandmother.

October 25, 2009: TUMS Fast Relief 500 Win at Martinsville

On October 25, 2009, Denny Hamlin won the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway, holding off Jimmie Johnson.

March 29, 2010: Martinsville Win and Knee Surgery Announcement

On March 29, 2010, Denny Hamlin won the rain-postponed race at Martinsville Speedway. Just two days earlier, he announced he would undergo knee surgery the following Monday.

April 19, 2010: Return to Racing after Knee Surgery and Win at Texas

On April 19, 2010, Denny Hamlin returned to racing just three weeks after knee surgery, winning at Texas Motor Speedway.

2010: Dominant Season

In 2010, Denny Hamlin had a dominant season, with three wins: the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series events. Hamlin became the first driver to sweep both races at Darlington since 1993, adding wins at Pocono and Michigan later in the season.

April 22, 2012: Victory at Kansas

On April 22, 2012, Denny Hamlin secured his second victory of the year at Kansas, outlasting Martin Truex Jr.

2014: Martinsville Win

In 2014 at Martinsville, Denny Hamlin recovered from a penalty to win after battling Brad Keselowski, marking his fifth victory at the track.

2014: Sprint Unlimited Win and Daytona 500 Runner-Up

In 2014, Denny Hamlin started strong by winning the Sprint Unlimited and a Budweiser Duel. During the 2014 Daytona 500, he led 16 laps but finished second to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2016: Daytona 500 Victory and Crew Chief Change in 2016

In 2016, Denny Hamlin, with new crew chief Mike Wheeler, won the Sprint Unlimited. At the 2016 Daytona 500, he narrowly beat Martin Truex Jr., securing Joe Gibbs' first victory in the event since 1993. However, he wrecked at Martinsville, finishing 39th.

2017: Southern 500 Win

In 2017, Denny Hamlin had his second Southern 500 win.

2017: Victory at New Hampshire in 2017

In 2017, Denny Hamlin started 8th and won at New Hampshire, marking his 30th career NASCAR Cup Series victory and Joe Gibbs Racing’s first win of the season.

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.

2020: Third Daytona 500 Victory and Ryan Newman Incident in 2020

In 2020, Denny Hamlin won his third Daytona 500, but the victory was overshadowed by Ryan Newman's severe crash and subsequent controversy over Hamlin's post-race celebration.

September 5, 2021: Southern 500 Victory and Playoff Advancement

On September 5, 2021, Denny Hamlin won the Southern 500 at Darlington, securing a spot in the Round of 12 in the Playoffs.

May 16, 2022: Kurt Busch wins at Kansas Speedway

On May 16, 2022, Kurt Busch secured 23XI's second win at Kansas Speedway, leading 116 of 267 laps.

2023: Xfinity Series Victory at Darlington

In 2023, Denny Hamlin returned to the Xfinity Series after a two-year hiatus, winning at Darlington in September.

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.