Denny Hamlin recently reminisced about his memorable “Fat Chance table” experiences alongside drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. back in 2006. That year, as a rookie, Hamlin successfully qualified for the playoffs, which were then known as the Chase for the Nextel Cup.
Driving the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 Toyota, Hamlin entered the playoffs with just two race victories under his belt, feeling the weight of competition against nine seasoned drivers. Among them were heavyweights like Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, all vying for the championship title.
Reflecting on his rookie playoff experience, Hamlin shared, “What I remember most is standing on stage with nine other drivers who were far more accomplished than I was. I looked around and saw guys who had been in the sport for years, racking up wins, while I had only managed to win twice.”
He conveyed the thrill and pressure of competing for the title, stating, “I felt a bit overwhelmed; the playoffs flew by. But being on that stage at Homestead with a chance to win the championship in my rookie year is a memory I’ll cherish forever.”
Hamlin humorously referred to their situation as the “fat chance table,” where he, Dale Jr., and another driver found themselves on the sidelines yet still mathematically in contention.
Although he didn’t clinch the championship in his debut season, Hamlin did secure the Rookie of the Year title, outpacing fellow newcomers like Martin Truex Jr. He finished third in the overall standings, marking the best points finish for a rookie since James Hylton in 1966, and celebrated two victories, including a sweep at Pocono.
The 2006 season marked a significant milestone as Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, clinched his inaugural championship title.
Denny Hamlin continues his quest for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Despite consistently making playoff appearances, JGR driver Denny Hamlin has yet to secure his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. The only year he missed the playoffs was in 2013, when a back injury from a crash with former teammate Joey Logano during the final lap of the Auto Club 400 in Fontana, California, sidelined him.
At 43 years old, Hamlin is part of a rare group of drivers who have achieved 50 or more wins without a championship, alongside NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson. Over his career, he has celebrated 54 victories, including three Daytona 500 wins in 2016, 2019, and 2020.
Even without a Cup Series championship, Hamlin, now in his 19th season, feels proud of his legacy. He considers himself a championship-caliber driver who stands out among other titleholders.
As the 2024 postseason approaches, Hamlin is currently positioned sixth in the standings with 2015 points. This season, he has notched three wins, six stage wins, nine top-5 finishes, and 12 top-10 finishes.
The first playoff race is set to take place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 8. Should Hamlin capture the championship, he will join the ranks of Series Champion drivers who have also received the ROTY award, including Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott.
