Denny Hamlin’s Milestone: 700 Starts in NASCAR Cup Series
Denny Hamlin is on the verge of a significant career milestone as he prepares for his 700th start in the NASCAR Cup Series at the Nashville Superspeedway this Sunday. However, there is a unique twist to this momentous occasion: Hamlin’s partner, Jordan Fish, is expected to give birth to their third child on the same day. As a result, Hamlin’s participation in the race is contingent upon whether he receives a call about the baby’s arrival.
A Race Against Time
Hamlin is keenly aware of the ticking clock. He mentioned, "It’s obviously any minute," hinting at the urgency of the situation. Before practice and qualifying for the Cracker Barrel 400, he acknowledged that he might have to step away if he gets the news he’s been anticipating. Ryan Truex, the reserve driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, is on standby to take over if Hamlin needs to leave. Fortunately, both drivers share a similar physique, which minimizes the adjustments required for the seat if Truex needs to jump in.
As it stands, Hamlin intends to remain in Nashville for the evening, but he knows he needs to allocate time for when the moment arrives to head home. He explained that there is an eight-hour window during which he would be unable to balance both the race and the birth. This situation puts Hamlin in a delicate position, as he expressed, “I can’t miss it. I certainly have to be there for her, and that’s the biggest priority. I wish she would hang on a little bit longer.”
NASCAR has a provision allowing drivers to request a waiver if they miss a race due to the birth of a child, making this one of the rare exceptions where a driver can be excused from competition.
Celebrating 700 Starts
If all goes according to plan, Sunday will mark Hamlin’s entry into an elite group of drivers, as he becomes the 22nd individual to achieve 700 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series. His journey began on October 9, 2005, during a race at Kansas Speedway, where he made his first Cup Series appearance driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. In his rookie season, he quickly made a name for himself by winning two races and earning the title of Rookie of the Year. Over the years, Hamlin has amassed a total of 56 career victories, including three Daytona 500 wins, three Southern 500 victories, a Coca-Cola 600 win, and an All-Star Race title.
Reflecting on his career, Hamlin shared, “It honestly feels good to still be as competitive as I was in [the first start]. What I’m most grateful for in all this is that, 700 starts later, I still can go out here and win this weekend. I don’t know if anyone has won it in their 700th, but I’d like to.”
Historically, no driver has clinched a victory in their 700th start, but Jeff Gordon achieved the best finish, crossing the line in third place during his milestone race at Darlington Raceway in 2013.
Factors Behind Hamlin’s Longevity
Denny Hamlin’s impressive career longevity can be attributed to several key factors. Foremost among them is his unwavering commitment to Joe Gibbs Racing, the team for which he has driven throughout his entire career. This consistent environment has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the team dynamics and the intricacies of the cars he drives.
Hamlin emphasized the importance of appreciating the opportunity he has, stating, “You don’t take for granted that you’re driving for one of the top three organizations that essentially win all the races. That plays into the statistical columns that have been filled throughout my career.” His success is not solely based on the team’s prowess; Hamlin’s personal dedication and adaptability have been crucial in maintaining his competitive edge.
“I think most of it has been my ability and willingness to adapt to different scenarios, cars, tracks, and aero packages,” he noted. Hamlin maintains a growth mindset, stating, “I never stop learning. Every racetrack I go to – it could be the 25th time I’m going to it, but I guarantee you I’m taking something there this weekend that I hadn’t thought of or hadn’t approached that way in the past, so always learning.”
The Importance of Family
While Denny Hamlin is focused on his racing career, he is also deeply committed to his family. The impending arrival of his third child underscores the delicate balance he must maintain between his professional endeavors and personal life. The anticipation of welcoming a new baby into the family adds an emotional layer to the already significant milestone of reaching 700 starts.
Hamlin’s relationship with Jordan Fish has been a source of support throughout his career. As he prepares for this race, the prospect of becoming a father for the third time weighs heavily on his mind. The love and responsibility he feels toward his family are paramount, influencing his decisions on race day.
Looking Ahead
As Denny Hamlin gears up for this milestone race, the excitement in the air is palpable. The potential for him to achieve a significant win in his 700th start is exhilarating, yet the reality of family obligations adds complexity to the situation. Fans will be watching closely, not only to see if Hamlin can secure a victory but also to learn about the arrival of his new child.
Regardless of the outcome, Hamlin’s journey to 700 starts is a testament to his talent, determination, and the unwavering support of his family and team. This milestone is not merely a number; it represents years of hard work, resilience, and passion for the sport of NASCAR.
In the world of motorsports, moments like these are cherished, as they encapsulate the essence of racing—where personal and professional lives often intersect in dramatic and meaningful ways. Whether on the track or at home, Denny Hamlin continues to navigate the challenges of life as a driver, partner, and soon-to-be father of three, embodying the spirit of perseverance and commitment that defines a true champion.
