Denny Hamlin opens up about retirement timeline after signing new extension with Joe Gibbs Racing

It’s been a big week for Denny Hamlin. This past Sunday, he took the checkered flag at Dover Motor Speedway. Friday, he signed a multi-year extension with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Hamlin, 44, is now under contract through the 2027 season. Speaking with the media at Indianapolis Motor Speedway shortly after JGR made the announcement, Hamlin said this is “probably, most likely” the last extension he will sign, per Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. Hamlin added, “Who knows?”

Eventually, Hamlin will retire from NASCAR. Asked how he’ll choose when it’s time, he said, “I want the ability to know I can win my last race.”

Right now, retirement is the furthest thing from Hamlin’s mind. Hamlin has a Cup Series-leading four wins this season, compiling the most playoff points (24) of any driver. Most drivers’ performance falls off past the age of 40. Not Hamlin, who looks primed and ready to capture his first championship.

“Joe [Gibbs], and everyone at JGR are family to me and have done so much for me over the last 20 years, Hamlin said. “We’ve had a solid start to this season, and we have been able to welcome some great new partners this year, so there are a lot of exciting things happening with our team, not only now but also in the future.”

Denny Hamlin will continue his Hall of Fame career with Joe Gibbs Racing

Even without a championship, Hamlin is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His 58 Cup victories are the 11th most all-time. Hamlin has three Daytona 500 wins, something only five other drivers have done.

Hamlin will keep pushing for that championship while driving the No. 11 Toyota. He previously expressed a desire to compete for 23XI Racing, the team he co-owns alongside Michael Jordan, but after signing a multi-year extension with JGR, it’s unclear if/when he’ll get the chance.

“I see my full-time career ending at Joe Gibbs Racing,” Hamlin said earlier this year. “I don’t know whether I’ll just shut the switch off, or I’ll just do some one-offs here and there. … I want to be loyal to the person that gave me my start.

“But yes, there is a part of me that wants to drive for 23XI. Absolutely. I think without doubt, I’ll say that I’ll certainly be racing at 23XI, in at least a race, at some point in my career.”