Veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. Backing Fuels Title Hopes for NASCAR Contender Denny Hamlin

NASCAR bigwig know-all Dale Earnhardt Jr. endorses the growing belief that a seasoned driver could finally secure a long-awaited championship

Surbhi Khera
March 20, 2026
4 min read

Veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. Backing Fuels Title Hopes for NASCAR Contender Denny Hamlin — Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The current NASCAR season has brought renewed focus on experienced drivers still competing at a high level. Consistency and discipline have started to define early championship conversations. This has shifted attention toward those with long-standing careers.

Comments from Dale Earnhardt Jr. have added to the discussion. The former champion has openly backed the experienced driver’s chances this season. His remarks have drawn attention across the racing community.

The endorsement comes as the championship battle begins to take clearer shape. Several contenders remain in the mix, but consistency has started to separate the field. This has increased focus on drivers maintaining steady results.

With momentum building, the spotlight continues to grow around the veteran contender. The combination of on-track performance and external backing has strengthened his position in the title conversation. The coming races will determine how that narrative develops.

1. Earnhardt Jr. Makes Strong Championship Claim

Key voice in the conversation, Dale Earnhardt Jr., expressed clear confidence in Denny Hamlin’s chances this season. Speaking on the matter, he said, ‘When you get older, you start not doing that. You quit taking risks, you quit going into uncomfortable places, you get comfortable, you get complacent.’ He followed by stating that the veteran driver has avoided that pattern. Continuing his assessment, he added that the driver* ‘still has that passion and that work ethic to do what’s necessary.’* The remark pointed to a mindset that remains competitive despite years in the sport. It also highlighted the importance of maintaining intensity over time. The former champion further described the driver as ‘an extremely, extremely talented driver.’ This characterization reinforced the belief that ability has not declined with experience. Instead, it suggests that performance is being sustained through both skill and discipline. Concluding his remarks, he stated,* ‘I think this is his year.’ *The statement directly positioned the veteran as a leading contender while also reflecting growing confidence surrounding the current campaign.

2. Earnhardt Jr. Expands on Hamlin’s Approach

Continuing his remarks, Dale Earnhardt Jr. explained that many drivers tend to change their approach with age. He said that drivers often ‘quit taking risks’ and avoid uncomfortable situations as their careers progress. This, he noted, leads to becoming comfortable and eventually complacent. Referring to Denny Hamlin, he made it clear that this pattern does not apply in this case. He stated that the veteran driver still puts himself in challenging positions. That willingness, according to him, remains a key difference. He further pointed out that the driver continues to show the same level of commitment required to compete. The emphasis remained on maintaining intensity despite years in the sport. This was presented as a defining factor in his current form. The remarks stayed focused on approach rather than results. The former champion repeatedly returned to the idea of mindset and effort. These elements formed the core of his assessment.

3. Current Season Developments Reflect Earnhardt Jr.’s Remarks

The points raised by Dale Earnhardt Jr. about risk-taking and sustained effort are reflected in Denny Hamlin’s ongoing season. The veteran has continued to compete actively in the 2026 NASCAR calendar. His performances and decisions align with the approach described in those remarks. During the season, he secured a win at the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas. The result came despite an early speeding penalty, with the driver recovering to take victory. It marked his first win of the year. Away from race results, he has outlined clear career intentions. On his Actions Detrimental podcast, he stated that he is targeting 67 career wins before retirement. This goal indicates that his timeline could extend into the 2027 season. He has also continued racing through a shoulder injury, with surgery planned after the season. At the same time, he confirmed that 23XI Racing signed a new charter agreement with NASCAR following an antitrust dispute, while also dealing with the loss of his father, Dennis Hamlin, during the offseason.