Denny Hamlin is one of the very few drivers who check nearly every “all-time great” box. When it comes to longevity, marquee wins, and week-to-week speed, Hamlin delivers, yet the Cup title still dodges him. He’s been in the fight repeatedly and come agonizingly close, but as the years go by, the championship-sized asterisk keeps shadowing an otherwise Hall of Fame resume.

Now, with Denny Hamlin turning 45 this November and signing what he says is most likely his final multi-year deal at Joe Gibbs Racing, running through 2027, the window talk has sharpened. And now, NASCAR insiders have essentially framed this extension as the last big bet on Hamlin’s title push, and it doesn’t sound too positive.

NASCAR Insiders are done waiting, black-flagging Denny Hamlin’s 2025 Championship hopes

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