Denny Hamlin has divided the NASCAR community for years. But after the checkered flag was waved at Phoenix Raceway, fans in the grandstands and watching on television shared the same thought. The veteran was hard done by, especially after leading a staggering 208 laps. He was on the cusp of capturing his first title until a late caution allowed Kyle Larson to win the championship. For the 44-year-old, it wasn’t just another loss. It was a culmination of years of close calls and what-ifs.

As confetti dropped for someone else yet again, Hamlin turned to Carl Edwards, who knew precisely how it felt to walk away from it all. What followed was more than just a talk between two drivers; it was a moment that left the NASCAR world thinking about what truly motivates a racer.

Denny Hamlin draws p

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