Denny Hamlin explains why fans should root for him to win NASCAR championship

Going into the Championship 4 weekend at Phoenix, Denny Hamlin is perhaps the driver fans are rooting against the most. Hamlin has his own group of NASCAR fans, and that number has grown in recent years, but the boos are still plenty at the track.

So, why would a NASCAR fan root for Denny Hamlin? If you aren’t a fan of any of the Championship 4 drivers, why would you put your faith in the 44-year-old from Joe Gibbs Racing?

Well, Hamlin was asked exactly that by Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. Why should fans root for Hamlin to win the NASCAR Championship?

“Because if you root for the other drivers, they’re going to have a lot more opportunities to win a championship in the future than I will,” Hamlin said, laughing. “So, if you want to see it happen, you’re probably gonna have to root for me this year.”

Pockrass then pointed out that the championship format is likely changing. So, what if he has more chances in the future?

“I like the opportunity that’s straight in front of us and not the what-ifs of next year,” Hamlin replied. “You just never know. All you know right now, and what I know, is that the opportunity is one week away.”

Denny Hamlin has lost the championship before. He is going into this weekend hoping to break the curse that has kept him from reaching that goal. With 60 wins to his name, can Hamlin make it 61 and walk away with the title? That’s the plan, at least. His chances are as good as anybody else in the Championship 4. So, why not the 11?

Denny Hamlin has chance to finish dream season

When you consider all that has happened this year with Denny Hamlin, both on and off the track, it is clear that this year means a lot to him. He has six wins, more than anyone else in the Cup Series this year. On top of that he now has 60 wins and is tied for 10th all-time in NASCAR history.

Of course, there is the NASCAR lawsuit. That is likely heading to trial if a settlement doesn’t come soon. Receiving the Bill France Cup on Sunday would be quite a moment for Hamlin and for the sport.

As long as mechanical issues stay away, Hamlin is going to be in the mix. He’s going to have to beat three very talented drivers who are all more than 10 years younger than him. The seasoned veteran against the young stars of today.

Denny Hamlin is focused and has looked really great in the NASCAR Playoffs. That is, when his car doesn’t run into issues under the hood. He will be all-in at Phoenix and will be putting forth his best effort. It will be fun to see if it is enough to win him his first championship.