It appears Denny Hamlin and NHL superstar Connor McDavid have something in common after all.
Two icons of the sport, who have strong arguments as the best to grace the field in their respective sports, still haven’t reached the holy grail.
It has been a gruelling year for both Hamlin and McDavid, but the wounds are a bit deeper when it comes to the NASCAR icon, given everything that transpired over the weekend at Phoenix Raceway.
Denny Hamlin Makes His Feelings Clear on His NASCAR Future
There was little else Hamlin could have done in Phoenix.
Hamlin, William Byron, and Chase Briscoe were all chasing their first trophy, but the story of the race just didn’t end well for any of them. For a while, it looked like things would line up for Hamlin as he suffered a flat tire right as the caution came out, which meant he was able to pit with the rest for some fresh rubber for another charge at the trophy. He even led much of the race, but the caution ended up undoing all his good work.
On Tuesday, after putting some distance between himself and the race, Hamlin addressed his future in the sport.
The NASCAR veteran said he would like some time to wallow and sit with his feelings before making a firm decision on what the future holds for him. He did admit that the thought of his contract is at the back of his mind, but refused to elaborate on whether the paperwork would guarantee another run at the trophy.
“I mean, I plan to. I have a contract to. But at this point, there is absolutely no way that I can even think about a race car right now. I’m going to need some time on this one,” Hamlin said.
Denny Hamlin said he’s doing as well as expected. Hamlin admitted it’ll take a while to get over, but he’s going to let himself sit in the emotions as long as it takes. As for racing next year, he has a contact but admitted right now he still can’t think about driving a car. pic.twitter.com/6z3DtUd2H4
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) November 4, 2025
When all was said and done at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin, who won the pole position AND led a race-high 208 laps, had to settle for second place this season as Kyle Larson took home the trophy.
Hamlin’s partner, Jordan Fish, also penned an emotional note following the race, saying she was “numbed” by how things played out.
“My heart and body physically ache for Denny and his entire team. Watching him put in countless hours, years, and two decades worth of hard work and dedication for a sport he loves so incredibly much, just to fall short once again, is absolutely heart-wrenching,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’m sad for his dad, who probably won’t get to witness his son accomplish his dream. However, I am faithful that God has a plan, even though it may be hard to see. The story isn’t over, it’s just still being written,” she added.
Twenty years into a bona fide Hall of Fame career, Hamlin is still reaching for the holy grail. But one thing’s for sure. If that number hits 21, his rivals will need to sleep with one eye open.
READ MORE: Denny Hamlin’s Pain Becomes NASCAR’s Wake-Up Call as Calls for Change Grow Louder