Denny Hamlin Approaches 700th NASCAR Cup Series Start Amid Personal Milestone
Nashville, TN – Denny Hamlin is set to make his 700th start in the NASCAR Cup Series at the Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday, contingent on personal circumstances. His fiancé, Jordan Fish, is due to give birth to their third child on the same day.
“We’re on standby,” said Hamlin, commenting on the impending arrival of his child. Should the call come in, reserve driver Ryan Truex is poised to step in, ensuring minimal disruption for the No. 11 team, as both drivers share similar physical attributes.
Hamlin emphasized the importance of being present for his family, stating, “I can’t miss it. I certainly have to be there for her, and that’s the biggest priority.”
NASCAR allows for a waiver for drivers missing events due to childbirth, one of the few exceptions in the sport’s policy. Hamlin will become the 22nd driver to reach this significant milestone. His first Cup Series race was on October 9, 2005, at Kansas Speedway, after which he quickly established himself as a force in the sport, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2006.
Over his career, Hamlin has amassed 56 race victories, including three Daytona 500 wins, three Southern 500s, a Coca-Cola 600, and an All-Star Race. “What I’m most grateful for is that, 700 starts later, I still can go out here and win this weekend,” he remarked. Notably, no driver has won their 700th start; Jeff Gordon holds the record for the best finish, placing third at Darlington Raceway in 2013.
Hamlin credits his longevity to enduring factors, such as his continuous relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing and his commitment to adaptability in the competitive landscape. “You don’t take for granted that you’re driving for one of the top organizations,” Hamlin noted. His willingness to learn and adapt has been crucial in maintaining his performance throughout his career.
As race day approaches, all eyes will be on whether Hamlin can achieve a legendary win in his milestone start, while also preparing for his most significant personal journey yet.
