And yet, Hamlin isn’t backing off the gas at this stage of his career — he’s speeding up. By multiple measures, this is his best performance since NASCAR introduced the Next Gen car in 2022.

Hamlin and JGR announced a multi-year contract extension on July 25 through at least 2027. The 44-year-old leads the Cup Series in victories this season with four, including last week's win at Dover.

LARRY LAGE Associated Press Jun 8, 2025 Jun 8, 2025Updated Jun 8, 2025 0 1 of 2 Denny Hamlin celebrates his victory in Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway in ...