Hamlin was handed a new crew chief for 2025; He now has four NASCAR Cup Series wins this season at age 44
On Sunday, Denny Hamlin held off Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe in overtime at Dover Motor Speedway. The 44-year-old picked up his 4th win of the 2025 season, more than any other driver so far.
And this is in a year that Hamlin lost major sponsor FedEx and he was also handed a new crew chief. In fact, Hamlin was shocked at the crew chief change announcement.
Denny Hamlin shocked by crew chief change for 2025 NASCAR season
Dover Motor Speedway is a track that Hamlin previously struggled with. Now, of active drivers, Hamlin is now tied with Kyle Busch for three wins at Dover Motor Speedway.
He credits studying Jimmie Johnson and former teammate Martin Truex Jr for his current driving style around the 1-mile track.
With the win, Hamlin now has four wins in 2025. He was asked if he was surprised by his success…
Denny Hamlin says he was worried ahead of 2025
“A little bit,” Denny Hamlin responded via TNT Sports.
“I mean truthfully, I was pretty scared going into this season. I lost my crew chief and I didn’t know what the result was. I didn’t want to start all over again.”
“I was at the point of my career where I’m like, ‘Joe, I don’t want to start all over.’ This is just not ideal for me.”
“Thank goodness, when Chris Gayle came in, he’s like, ‘I’m going to do thing’s y’all’s way from the very beginning. Then, I’m going to kind of put my own ideas into this.’ “
“He came into our process and we’ve refined it from there. I love that Chris Gayle is getting the success he deserves. He’s had nothing but rookies his whole Cup career. He’s never had an opportunity to not be a babysitter and a crew chief.”
“He can just do his job and trust that what I’m telling him is the correct direction.”
Hamlin now has 58 career wins. He’s publicly stated that he’s looking for 60 before retirement.
Dover Results: July 20, 2025 (NASCAR Cup Series)
