Denny Hamlin Targets 67 NASCAR Cup Series Wins at Retirement

The veteran driver sets a realistic goal for his career win total before hanging up his helmet.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:24pm

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NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin has set a target of 67 career Cup Series wins as he nears the end of his racing days. Hamlin, who recently earned his 61st career victory, believes he can reach that number based on his current pace and the upcoming race schedule. The 42-year-old driver has been one of the most consistent winners in the sport over the past two decades, joining an elite group of drivers to win 5 or more races after making their 700th career start.

Why it matters

Hamlin's projected win total would cement his status as one of the most successful drivers of his generation, further solidifying his Hall of Fame-caliber career. His ability to continue winning races well into his 40s is a testament to his skill and longevity in the sport.

The details

Hamlin recently won his 61st career NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He has now set his sights on reaching 67 total wins before retiring, a number he believes is realistic based on his current performance and the upcoming race schedule. Hamlin highlighted specific tracks like Darlington, Kansas, and Martinsville as opportunities to add to his win total in the near future.

  • Hamlin earned his 61st career Cup Series win on March 12, 2026.
  • Hamlin believes he will reach 67 total wins by the end of the 2026 or 2027 season.

The players

Denny Hamlin

A 42-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver who has won 61 races in his career so far and is targeting 67 total wins before retirement.

Jeff Gordon

A former NASCAR driver who is one of only five drivers to win 5 or more races after making their 700th career start, a feat Hamlin has now accomplished.

Kevin Harvick

A current NASCAR driver who is also one of only five drivers to win 5 or more races after making their 700th career start, joining Hamlin in that exclusive club.

Richard Petty

A legendary NASCAR driver who is one of only five drivers to win 5 or more races after making their 700th career start, a milestone Hamlin has now reached.

Mark Martin

A former NASCAR driver who is the fifth member of the exclusive group of drivers to win 5 or more races after their 700th career start, a feat Hamlin has now accomplished.

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What they’re saying

“I thought that realistically it was… I think I'm going to fall at 67. That's where I think it ends more than likely. And then the next year, more than likely 67. That's just by the numbers. That's not any, 'Oh I feel this, I feel that.' That's just where the numbers land averaging what I average.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver

“The win percentage is solid right now. I wasn't sure what stat you were going to bring up, but I like the one about winning in 20 different seasons. That list was strong. I think it was Bobby Allison, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty. Like, that one, because it's hard, man.”

— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver

What’s next

Hamlin will look to add to his win total at upcoming races at Darlington, Kansas, and Martinsville, with the goal of reaching 67 career victories before retirement.

The takeaway

Denny Hamlin's projected 67 career Cup Series wins would cement his status as one of the most accomplished drivers of his generation, joining an elite group of NASCAR legends who have found sustained success well into the twilight of their careers.