Denny Hamlin is a NASCAR enigma. With 58 Cup Series victories, a Hall of Fame career and a knack for breakthrough performances, he is one of the sport’s modern icons. But as the 2025 season approaches, NASCAR fans appear to have made up their minds: Hamlin, once again, is not in their Championship 4 predictions.
When NASCAR’s official Instagram asked fans for their thoughts on their 2025 Championship 4 picks, Hamlin’s name was conspicuously absent from the top responses. Instead, drivers like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick dominated the conversation. The omission hurts, especially considering Hamlin’s stellar 2024 season, where he recorded multiple wins and a deep playoff run. So why are fans so quick to ignore one of the sport’s most consistent performers?
The Void of the Championship: A Tenacious Narrative
Hamlin’s lack of Cup Series championship is the most obvious reason for his exclusion. In NASCAR, championship is the ultimate measure of greatness, and for some fans, Hamlin’s inability to close is a glaring weakness. Despite coming close several times, including heartbreaking disappointments, the 42-year-old still finds himself chasing the elusive title.
The championship drought is amplified by the success of his peers. Kyle Larson, a fan favorite, has not only won a championship but continues to deliver breathtaking performances on all types of circuits. Joey Logano, who captured his third title in 2024, and rising stars like Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick have also shown their ability to shine under playoff pressure. By comparison, Hamlin’s resume seems incomplete to some fans.
A love-hate relationship with fans
Hamlin’s polarizing personality doesn’t help. Known for his outspoken nature and aggressiveness on the track, Hamlin often had conflicts with his rivals and, by extension, their fan bases. Although his confidence resonates with some, it alienates others, leaving him in a strange limbo of admiration and contempt.
In contrast, drivers like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson enjoy near-universal fan support. Elliott, NASCAR’s most popular driver for several years, has a loyal fan base that supports him regardless of his form. Larson’s sheer dominance and versatility across disciplines have earned him widespread respect. Hamlin, meanwhile, faces skepticism even when he’s performing at his best.
The drivers fans are betting on
Kyle Larson is at the top of almost every fan prediction for 2025, and that’s no surprise. With six wins in 2024, including a dominant performance at the Bristol night race, Larson’s adaptability and relentless pursuit of victory make him a lock for Championship 4 in the eyes of fans.
-Christopher Bell, after a solid 2024 season with three victories and consistency in the playoffs, consolidated his status as a postseason ace. His return to dirt racing and notable performances at events like the Chili Bowl Nationals have only added to his momentum.
People’s Champion Chase Elliott bounced back from a difficult 2023 season to deliver a strong 2024 campaign, capped with a victory at Texas Motor Speedway. His huge fan base guarantees his presence in almost every conversation about championship contenders.
Rising star Tyler Reddick continues to dazzle with his aggressive driving style and ability to find speed in unexpected places. A key performer in the playoffs, Reddick’s near failure in the 2024 championship only strengthened the support of his fans.
Other contenders like Joey Logano, William Byron and Ross Chastain are also on fans’ lists, with Logano’s 2024 title and Byron’s Daytona 500 triumph keeping them firmly in the spotlight.
Is Hamlin overlooked?
Despite all fans’ doubts, Hamlin’s resume speaks for itself. He’s a perennial playoff contender, thrives under pressure and remains one of the sharpest minds in the sport. His 2024 season has highlighted his consistency, but the lack of a championship casts a shadow that fans cannot ignore.
Hamlin’s exclusion from fan predictions may seem harsh, but it’s also a testament to NASCAR’s incredible depth of talent. The 2025 season promises to be a battleground for established champions, fan favorites and rising stars. If Hamlin wants to silence his critics, there’s only one way to do it: win the Cup Series championship and rewrite his legacy.
