Live Update: Denny Hamlin Reflects on a Rollercoaster 2024 NASCAR Season
The 2024 NASCAR season flew by, leaving fans with unforgettable moments. While Joey Logano and Team Penske dominated with another title, Denny Hamlin remained a central figure despite missing the Championship 4 for a third consecutive year. The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team had its ups and downs, but Hamlin’s journey was anything but ordinary.
A Season of Highs and Lows for Denny Hamlin
Hamlin kicked off the season with impressive wins at Bristol and Richmond, securing a playoff spot early. He even conquered Dover’s Monster Mile, but his momentum dwindled in the latter half of the year. Setbacks like an engine penalty, legal drama, and inconsistent on-track performance made 2024 a season of extremes. Still, Hamlin managed to create cherished memories, which he recently shared with fans in an emotional recap video.
Denny Hamlin’s Heartfelt Tribute to 2024
Hamlin posted a short video capturing the essence of his season—victorious moments with the #11 team, fan interactions, and personal highlights like casino outings and family time. The clip also celebrated the success of Tyler Reddick and the #45 team, who clinched the regular season championship. The nostalgic video struck a chord with fans, evoking bittersweet memories of Hamlin’s journey.
In true Hamlin fashion, he added a playful twist, captioning the post:
“Now taking submissions for 2025’s catchphrase.”
Fans jumped at the opportunity, suggesting catchphrases like “STI11 IN IT,” “It’s Denny time BABY!!!,” and “I beat the system.” Even Coca-Cola, a major sponsor, chimed in with a sentimental comment:
“Who’s cutting onions?”
Sponsorship Uncertainty Looms Over the #11 Team
The departure of long-time sponsor FedEx has left JGR scrambling to find a replacement to ensure Hamlin’s continued run in the #11 car. This precarious position echoes the fate of Kyle Busch, who left JGR after losing M&M’s as a sponsor. With no new sponsorship deal officially announced, Hamlin’s future with the team feels uncertain.
Major Overhaul: Chris Gabehart Out, Chris Gayle In
Adding to the shake-up, Chris Gabehart, Hamlin’s crew chief of six seasons, is stepping into a new role as competition director at JGR. The duo achieved 22 race wins and three Championship 4 appearances, but JGR’s decision to split them signals a push for change. Gabehart’s replacement, Chris Gayle, brings a solid track record. He previously served as crew chief for Ty Gibbs in the No. 54 team and led Gibbs to an Xfinity Series championship in 2022.
Gayle’s challenge is steep—he must fill the shoes of a highly successful pairing while guiding Hamlin toward his elusive first championship. While Gayle has proven his ability to build winning strategies, the pressure to deliver in 2025 is immense.
What Lies Ahead for Denny Hamlin?
With a new crew chief and sponsorship uncertainty, Hamlin faces a pivotal year in 2025. Change could bring the spark the #11 team needs to finally claim a championship, or it might prove to be another testing chapter in his storied career.
Stay tuned as Hamlin and his retooled team gear up for what promises to be a defining season.
