$60M NASCAR owner’s star Denny Hamlin reacts to “shocking” inclusion in Most Popular Driver award

Denny Hamlin will be racing for his maiden NASCAR championship this weekend at Phoenix. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has previously reached this position four times, but failed to cross the checkered flag as champions. Moreover, the 23XI Racing co-owner was also included in this year’s Most Popular Driver poll, a feat he calls “shocking”.

The 44-year-old has raced 718 times in the NASCAR Cup Series, but his next one will perhaps be the most important of all. Ahead of the championship race in Phoenix, $60M-worth (According to Celebrity Net Worth) Joe Gibbs' star driver talked to the media and talked about the upcoming race.

He was asked about being included in the Most Popular Driver award to which he responded:

"Shocking. I don't know that I've ever been in the top 10, so that in itself was quite a shock. I don't know what's changed, but certainly do appreciate it."

If history is any indication, Chase Elliott is likely to win the award for the 8th time this season. However, if Denny Hamlin wins the title, he will probably not be bothered much about any other awards.

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Denny Hamlin racing for his dying father’s final wish as he hunts down his first title

Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Briscoe will all battle it out for the Cup Series championship in Phoenix. But Denny Hamlin will not just be racing for the title, but also to fulfill his sick father's last wish.

Speaking of his father's sickness, Hamlin said:

"I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment."

Hamlin also reminisced going home to his father after his 60th win. He said,

“He was just so happy and he always tells me I’m the best, no matter if I win or not, he always says I’m the best. He’s a big hype guy and I sat in his garage and talked with him, he’s got all my old memorabilia and it’s just good to reminisce."

The 44-year-old further added,

"He’s a reminiscent guy and right now I am just cherishing those hours that I have with them each week.”

Hamlin has won six races in the Cup Series this season - the most by any driver. However, his shot at victory is not going to be an easy one.

Byron and Briscoe will be aiming to win the title for the first time themselves, but Kyle Larson will have the edge having won the championship before and consistently racing for the title in recent seasons. Can Denny Hamlin win his first NASCAR Cup Series title and fulfill his dying fathers final wish?

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Edited by Tanmay Khanna