“It’s my last chance for dad to see it”: Denny Hamlin races for his dying father as he chases the elusive NASCAR championship

Denny Hamlin opened up about his personal motivation to win the NASCAR Cup Series championship for his ailing father, Dennis. He acknowledged that this season might be his final opportunity to let his father witness him finally capture his first title.

Hamlin’s passion for racing began when he was just five years old, and his father made significant financial sacrifices to help him pursue that dream, even nearly going broke to keep it alive. The now 44-year-old recently grew emotional after earning his 60th career victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, reflecting on how his parents’ support made his career possible.

That win also secured his fifth berth in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. He will face his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe and the Hendrick Motorsports duo of Kyle Larson and William Byron. Briscoe and Byron each won a race in the Round of 8, while Larson advanced to the final four on points.

Speaking about potentially winning the championship for his father, the #11 JGR driver told The Associated Press:

“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.”

Denny Hamlin drives the #11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing - Source: Imagn

Denny Hamlin is entering the championship race as the winningest driver this year with six victories. He has also scored 14 top-5s and 17 top-10s, including a second-place finish in the spring race at Phoenix Raceway.

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“If I couldn't win, I'd love to see him”: Kyle Larson on Denny Hamlin winning the championship at Phoenix

Championship contender Kyle Larson also recognized what’s at stake for Denny Hamlin at Phoenix Raceway. The 33-year-old said he would be happy to see Hamlin win his first title if he himself came up short.

Larson, the only driver with a championship in the current final four lineup, stated (via AP News):

“He’s a deserving champion and nearing the end of his career, so if I couldn’t win, I’d love to see him because you’d think he’d have one on his resume. He deserves it.”

He also acknowledged Denny Hamlin's father, adding:

“I could see how (his dad) absolutely gives extra motivation, and I think sympathy goes a long way. It’s not going to stop me from wanting to beat him, but there’s a lot of reasons a Denny Hamlin championship would feel good.”

Kyle Larson captured his first championship in 2021, his debut season driving the #5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. However, since the introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, Team Penske has dominated the Cup Series, winning three consecutive championships with Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. Both Logano and Blaney have been eliminated after the Round of 8.

Whether NASCAR crowns a new two-time champion with Larson or a first-time winner among the remaining title contenders will be decided this weekend at the 1.0-mile Arizona track. The 312-lap finale is scheduled for November 2 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

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Edited by Zarec Sanchez