It was another year and another almost-championship for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin.
The No. 11 Toyota driver watched his title run come to a swift end during the Round of 8 cutoff race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, as he failed to advance to the Championship 4. Instead, Hamlin finished fifth in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.
The 42-year-old still took a trio of trips to victory lane during the 36-race season, reflecting triumphs at Kansas Speedway, Pennsylvania’s Pocono Raceway and Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Notably, his win at Pocono was his 50th career Cup Series victory.
Hamlin also amassed 14 top fives, 19 top 10s and led 998 laps over the course of the year.
“I certainly know a championship will not change how I view my career and what I’ve accomplished. It will only change, and probably not, change what others view of me. That’s the only difference that trophy would bring,” Hamlin said prior to his playoff elimination.
The 19-year Cup Series veteran plans to continue chasing his elusive first title in 2024.