Brickyard 400: A Bittersweet Victory for Denny Hamlin
INDIANAPOLIS—Denny Hamlin’s dual role as a driver and team owner highlighted the complexity of his experience at the Brickyard 400 this past Sunday. While Hamlin finished third as a driver, it was his team, 23XI Racing, that celebrated victory, with Bubba Wallace taking the checkered flag.
Despite the success for 23XI Racing, the triumph marked a bittersweet moment for Hamlin. At 44, he remains without a win in this crown jewel event, after 17 attempts. "It’s bittersweet because I had a role in it," Hamlin stated, acknowledging his mentorship of his drivers. "I know there is a part of me out there."
The race followed a difficult qualifying session where Hamlin, the fastest in practice, crashed while pushing too hard for a top starting position. This forced him to use a backup car, starting from the rear of the field on race day. “I knew that the possibility of winning from the back here was so small,” he admitted. His thoughts turned to the prospects of his teammates, the No. 23 and No. 45 cars, which executed strong performances throughout the race.
Despite the challenges, Hamlin expressed gratitude for the weekend. "I’m still very gratified just because of the weekend," he said, reflecting on his experience from qualifying and the obstacles faced.
In a notable day for his career, Hamlin announced a two-year contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing, likely his last in the Cup Series.
Following the race, Hamlin participated in the post-victory rituals, embracing the moment alongside his team. "I’ll take every opportunity that I can," he remarked, emphasizing the collaborative nature of team achievement. "Building a team from scratch is a huge undertaking, so you feel more gratification because I had my hand in every little piece of that race."
As Wallace and the team celebrated in victory lane, Hamlin’s presence underscored the dual narratives of joy and frustration—an owner reveling in victory while still vying for personal acclaim in a race that continues to elude him.
