Very few NASCAR drivers are lucky enough to plan their exit on their own terms. Denny Hamlin fits that rare mold. Building a powerhouse career with 59 Cup Series wins in 714 starts, he’s not tired, as his path continues to see fresh wins to date, like the five in this year. But as the veteran driver approaches the close of his era, the community reflects on his impact and shares how that end would map out.

This season brought standout chaos, like the tire struggles at Bristol that turned the track into a survival test. Yet, the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway stood apart. Hamlin’s 59th win tied him with Kyle Busch for most in a Toyota and delivered the brand’s 200th Cup victory. The post-race comments carried real gravity, touching on Hamlin’s outlook and sparking talk

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