Denny Hamlin Building NASCAR Legacy with Hot Start to 2026 Season

Veteran driver rebounds from personal challenges to win at Las Vegas and move into the top 10 all-time in career victories.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:29pm

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After a tumultuous 2025 season, Denny Hamlin has rebounded in a big way to start the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Hamlin won at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his 61st career victory, moving him into 10th place on the all-time wins list and breaking a tie with fellow veteran Kevin Harvick. Hamlin's early-season success comes after he dealt with personal issues like the loss of his father and a shoulder injury, but the 46-year-old driver appears poised to make a run at his first career Cup championship.

Why it matters

Hamlin's resurgence this season is significant as he looks to cement his legacy as one of NASCAR's all-time greats. Despite his consistent success over the years, Hamlin has yet to win a Cup Series championship, and this could be his best chance yet at capturing that elusive title before he eventually retires. His climb up the career wins list also puts him in rarified air among NASCAR's legends.

The details

Hamlin's victory at Las Vegas was his third of the season, as his 23XI Racing team has gotten off to a hot start with drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace also running well. Hamlin led the majority of the race and dominated the event, showing he still has the talent and determination to compete at the highest level despite the personal challenges he faced last year.

  • Hamlin won the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 10, 2026.
  • The NASCAR Cup Series will head to Darlington Raceway, one of Hamlin's best tracks, on the next race weekend.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A 46-year-old veteran NASCAR driver who has won 61 career Cup Series races, putting him 10th on the all-time wins list. Hamlin is looking to capture his first career Cup championship after coming close multiple times in the past.

Joe Gibbs

The owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, the team that fields cars for Hamlin. Gibbs has praised Hamlin's ability to work through personal challenges and remain highly competitive.

Tyler Reddick

A driver for Hamlin's 23XI Racing team who has won the first three races of the 2026 season and currently leads the Cup Series points standings.

Bubba Wallace

Another driver for 23XI Racing who is second in the Cup Series points standings early in the 2026 season.

Kyle Busch

The only other active driver in the top 10 on the all-time Cup Series wins list. Busch has 64 career victories and is the driver Hamlin is looking to pass next on the list.

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What they’re saying

“He's been through a lot. Denny seems to have the ability to continue to work through things. Has a way of just really still being very competitive. He stays in a sim (simulator), hard work, really after it. I appreciate him so much.”

— Joe Gibbs, Team Owner

What’s next

Hamlin will look to continue his strong start to the season at Darlington Raceway, one of his best tracks, where he has won five times. A victory there would further cement his status as one of NASCAR's all-time greats.

The takeaway

Denny Hamlin's resurgence this season after a difficult 2025 campaign shows his resilience and determination to cement his legacy as one of NASCAR's top drivers. His climb up the all-time wins list puts him in elite company, and a first career Cup championship would solidify his place among the sport's legends.