Racing teaches drivers how to stay strong under pressure, but sometimes, life brings challenges that no amount of racing experience can prepare someone for, and for Denny Hamlin, the past year has been one of those times.
During the recent Daytona 500 media day, he spoke honestly about the support received from Joe Gibbs during one of the most painful chapters of his life.
A Bond Between Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs That Goes Beyond Racing
Hamlin is a longtime NASCAR Cup Series star and has won more than 60 races, but nothing on the track compares to what he and his family have faced recently. Hamlin has driven for Joe Gibbs Racing his entire Cup Series career.
Over two decades later, that relationship has grown into something much deeper than a typical driver-owner partnership.
Over the last year, Hamlin’s father battled a serious illness, and during that time, Gibbs made a point to stay involved with the family and regularly visited Hamlin’s father because faith has always been important to Gibbs, and he made sure to bring that comfort to the Hamlin family when it mattered most.
DON’T MISS: The Side Draft, PFSN’s free NASCAR newsletter
Hamlin said his father appreciated those visits, “He made a point to go, if not every week, every other week to visit over the last year, talking stories and praying with him. You know, my dad was really trying to get right with the Lord you know, over the last year and felt like Joe really helped with hat. Joe took the time out of his day to go well out of his way to go visit and share stories. My dad really appreciated that.”
A house fire at Hamlin’s parents’ home claimed his father’s life and hospitalised his mother, and in the middle of the chaos and shock, Gibbs was already there.
Hamlin said Gibbs arrived at the hospital before he did on the night of the fire, “Joe is someone who is just very special to me. Joe beat me to hospital the night it happened. The guy is just unbelievable in how he is a leader, and he’s obviously been through it. My personal connection is Joe and always has been since he took over as my at-track dad.”
MORE: Denny Hamlin’s Emotional Confession Changes the Tone of His NASCAR Championship Pursuit
Hamlin also mentioned that his business partner, Michael Jordan, too reached out and offered support, but it was Gibbs who stayed closest through every step.
As the new season begins, Hamlin admits that things still feel different, “I feel like we’re kind of getting back into the swing of things. I would certainly be lying if I said I was as highly motivated as I have been in years past. But like I said last year, it’s going to take some time.“
He was honest in saying that his motivation is not quite where it used to be, but he believes that racing will help him find the balance again.
Hamlin also takes comfort in knowing that his father saw him at his best last season, when he nearly won the championship and competed at one of the highest levels of his career. He believes that meant a great deal to his father, who followed his son’s racing journey very closely.
