Denny Hamlin confirms 2027 retirement timeline while eyeing Brent Crews
Denny Hamlin is at the peak of his powers, yet he is already looking toward the horizon. Fresh off his win at Michigan International Speedway—a stunning performance that saw him drive to the front after moving to the rear early in the race—the 45-year-old made it clear he intends to hang up his helmet at the end of 2027. This latest victory ties him with Kyle Busch for ninth on the all-time Cup Series wins list at 63, a feat that highlights just how sharp he remains.
However, the reality of the sport is catching up with the machine. Hamlin candidly admitted that his body simply does not recover as quickly as it once did, even if his reactions and eyesight remain world-class. He is chasing history, with his sights set on reaching 64 wins to stand alone in ninth, but he recognizes the difficulty of closing the gap to the 76 wins held by Dale Earnhardt.
With a two-year contract extension at Joe Gibbs Racing holding him steady through 2027, the team is already considering its future. Hamlin pointed directly to 18-year-old Brent Crews, a rookie currently competing for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as a potential successor. While Hamlin isn't walking away just yet, the transition plan is clearly taking shape.
