Sunday’s championship race at Phoenix Raceway could be the defining moment or the final straw for Denny Hamlin’s long and decorated career. Now 44, Hamlin is still chasing his elusive first NASCAR Cup Series title despite 60 Cup wins, the most of any active driver without a championship.

His near misses have been agonizingly close, from losing the 2010 title at Homestead-Miami Speedway after leading the points entering the finale to coming up short again in 2019 and 2020 under the elimination-style playoff format. Another heartbreak this Sunday could leave Hamlin’s final dream incomplete forever, which is why, before the final straw, he has one small plea to the fans.

Root for the old guy this time

When asked why fans should root for him heading into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Champions

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