Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in NASCAR, recently showcased his dedication to family, taking a break from the high-octane world of racing in 2013. He prioritized being present for the birth of his daughter, Taylor, with his partner Jordan Fish. Hamlin famously left Daytona International Speedway after just one day of testing on January 10th, 2013, explaining, “I didn’t want to leave her home alone at any point during the night. These things can come at any time and she’s due right about now.”
hamlin and Fish, who met six years prior at a Charlotte Bobcats game, have built a strong family life. Their second daughter, Molly, arrived in 2017, solidifying their bond. the couple recently announced their engagement on New Year’s Day, marking another milestone in their enduring relationship. Reflecting on their journey, Hamlin shared, “Its good. Certainly, age is all a factor, right? Certainly, the relationship that you’ve got…she’s a great mom, a great partner, and glad to move forward.”
A Season of Reflection: Hamlin’s 2024 NASCAR Campaign
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season presented both triumphs and disappointments for Hamlin. despite his confident predictions, he missed out on the championship, failing to reach the Championship 4. This outcome led him to criticize the current NASCAR playoff format. He pointed out that Kyle Larson, who won six races that season, was excluded from the Championship 4, while Joey Logano secured his third title despite having the lowest average finish among the finalists.
Hamlin voiced his concerns about the playoff system,stating,“We certainly know we’re going to have Phoenix in the championship race next year. NASCAR has stated that the playoffs are here to stay. It’s interesting though that they left the window open to, ‘But we could tweak.’ And what does that mean? Because I don’t know what’s going on in their minds.” He continued, acknowledging Logano’s victory, “Certainly, we said on this podcast, what did we say if Joey Logano won the championship, [‘There would be outrage,’ cohost Jared Allen replied.] And there has been. For right or wrong, I will say this, you’ve got to give Joey Logano due because he, in my mind, he executed the best that day, and I would have been fine with a 22 or 12 champion on that day.”
Hamlin’s journey highlights the complexities of balancing a demanding career with the joys of family life. His performance on the track, coupled with his candid reflections on the NASCAR playoff system, keeps him a central figure in the sport’s ongoing conversation.
ACandid Conversation with NASCAR analyst Jeff Carlton
senior Editor, Derek Thompson: Welcome back too World Today News’
Motorsports MINUTE!
This week we’re
joined by veteran NASCAR analyst Jeff Carlton to unpack Denny hamlin’s 2024 season – on and off the track.
Jeff, thanks for coming on the show.
Jeff Carlton: My pleasure, Derek.Always
enjoy dissecting the latest in NASCAR.
Derek: Let’s delve right in. Hamlin had a remarkable year, making headlines not just for his driving but also for voicing some rather strong opinions about the playoff format. Many fans are questioning if the system truly
crowns the best driver in a given year.
Jeff: Absolutely. Denny, while putting
up another strong season, certainly didn’t pull any punches when it came to expressing his frustrations about the currentibid playoff system. You hit it squarely – it definitely sparks the debate about whether it always crowns the most deserving champion. While Joey Logano undoubtedly executed flawlessly in the championship race at Phoenix, the fact that a six-race winner like Kyle Larson wasn’t even in the running certainly raises eyebrows.
Derek: Many agreed with Hamlin’s concerns, especially those who believe winning races throughout the season should be given more weight. Some argue the system rewards consistency over raw performance.
Jeff: I think Denny’s frustration stems from a sincere desire to see the championship decided by pure performance. The playoffs undoubtedly add a ton of excitement to the end of the season. Though, when a driver can win multiple races but fall short due to the playoff’s structure, it leaves a lot of fans – and drivers – questioning whether the current system is truly capturing the essence of who the best driver is.
derek: Beyond the roar of the engines, Hamlin made headlines earlier in the year for what many considered significant personal sacrifices. He famously drove away from Daytona testing in 2013 to be present for the birth of his first daughter, Taylor. Do you think moments like this offer a glimpse into the pressures and choices faced by drivers outside the racetrack.
Jeff: Absolutely. It was a powerful, genuine move by Denny, and it resonates with a lot of fans who recognize that behind the helmets are people with families and personal lives. It takes a lot of commitment to balance the demands of a sport like NASCAR, especially at the Cup Series level, with family priorities.
Derek: Looking ahead, what’s your take on Hamlin’s performance in the coming seasons? Do you think he has championship aspirations?
Jeff: You can never count Denny Hamlin out.He’s proven himself time and again to be a fierce competitor, capable of winning races and contending for championships.With the experience and talent he’s acquired over the years, I think we’ll continue to see him challenging for the top spot, and perhaps even shake up the playoff format conversation along the way.
