’20 Years of Trying, 20 Years of Failing’: Can Denny Hamlin Finally Do It? Denny Hamlin eyes first title in 20 years at Phoenix Championship 4, backed by Kenny Wallace over Byron and Briscoe amid care

For two decades, Denny Hamlin has lived with the cruelest label in NASCAR: the best driver to never win a championship. Sixty career wins, three Daytona 500s, and a Hall of Fame résumé say one thing, but that empty championship column says another.

Now, at 44, Hamlin is back in the Championship 4, trying once again to finish the story that has haunted him for 20 years.

Denny Hamlin’s endless chase

There’s a moment in one of Denny Hamlin’s The Athletic interviews that feels like it sums up two decades of chasing the one thing he’s never held. Sitting back, half-grinning, he said, “I’m not going to kid myself or downplay that this is a great opportunity. But have I mentioned this is one race?” It’s the kind of line that sounds confident, but if you listen closely, it carries a lifetim