The sun is setting on Hamlin's career - even if nobody other than him will accept it

The ticking clock is getting louder. The countdown now shows 59 races to go.

Denny Hamlin is well aware of the time he has left behind the wheel. Of how many more times he’ll climb behind the wheel of his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota with a chance to win a NASCAR race.

Hamlin spent Sunday night at Michigan International Speedway doing three things: celebrating his 63rd career win, explaining how he accomplished it, and reiterating that he is retiring at the end of 2027. The last two-year extension he signed with Gibbs, announced in July 2025, was the last extension, and Hamlin hasn’t been shy about saying he knows how much time he has left and what he wants to do before it comes.

But it seems everyone else is not ready to believe or accept that.

He’s going to change his mind. There is no way he can walk away when he’s still winning.

Joe Gibbs is one of those people. The NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner would sign Hamlin for a handful of more years if he could.

“He’s lying,” Hamlin cracked.

Gibbs is not alone in wanting Hamlin to continue racing. The sport should not want to lose one of its top drivers and loudest voices, regardless of whether you agree with what he says. On the other hand, it should be respected that Hamlin is doing what many drivers don’t get to do: ending things on his terms and while at the top of his game.

That's the hope of all drivers or athletes. Only a rare few get to experience it.

For many drivers, the decision to call time on a career is made for them. But Hamlin is determined to bow out at the top, and on his own terms. Getty Images

“If, and that’s a big if, I’m at this point and this fast at this point next year, it’d be a tough, tough decision,” said Hamlin. “That’s not saying that I would (come back), but it would be a tough decision because, again, I’m planning for the downfall that I know will come. I always say there are three things that happen: in no particular order, you lose your eyesight, your reaction, and then your body hurts.”

Hamlin already hurts and doesn’t recover as quickly during the week. For now, the other two variables are as sharp as ever, and he’s capitalizing on those, in addition to the equipment he’s being given.

Over the last few years, Hamlin has crossed the 60-career-win mark and moved inside the top 10 on the all-time wins list. But he’s not going to get any further than being tied for eighth with Kyle Busch, with Dale Earnhardt next on the list with 76 victories. Then you take into account that aside from a championship, Hamlin has done everything there is to do in the Cup Series, and on a consistent basis since 2006.

“I’m content,” Halin said. “If I quit tomorrow, I swear I will feel no more gratified than if I go out there and I win 72 races. It makes no difference. Nobody cares. You’ll be forgotten within six months of your not being here. So, I might as well enjoy life while I’m still somewhat young and be able to be there a little more with the kids and what they’re doing.”

As the end gets closer, Hamlin should be appreciated for what he is doing at the age of 44, and what he’s done throughout his career. A future Hall of Famer, one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors, and perhaps one day, a championship-winning car owner. And sure, maybe a championship driver himself if things finally go his way this year or next.

Regardless, Hamlin deserves his flowers now. Appreciate what he’s doing while you can see it and while the series has it.

It’s a long shot that 2027 is not Hamlin’s final year. NASCAR is a sport of never say never. The business side of the sport, however, is likely going to win out here because Hamlin, admittedly, doesn’t want to leave Joe Gibbs Racing in flux. There are contracts and sponsor partnerships to consider with timelines to meet.

“They’ve got a great driver in Brent Crews, who is going to be ready more than likely by the end of next year,” Hamlin said. “If it were right now, it would be really hard. But I find it hard to believe we’re going to be at this level at this time next year.”

Hamlin has also always been a man of his word. He has said next year is it, and that shouldn’t be brushed aside. And just as Hamlin is preparing himself for that time, everyone else should be, too.