Denny Hamlin finally got his first win of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season on Sunday, as the Joe Gibbs Racing driver took the checkered flag at the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia.
After his victory, the 44-year-old Hamlin celebrated in style, using a prop in the form of a flag with a print that read “11 Against The World.” The win simply gave Hamlin a reason to beat his chest, as he clearly felt proud about his latest achievement.
“That’s me,” Hamlin said during the post-race press conference (h/t NASCAR). “Go shoot hoops with me, play pickleball with me, play golf with me. If I can’t [expletive] talk, it takes away my superpower. I’m not nearly as good.”
Hamlin’s statement grabbed people’s attention online.
“I can see why this guy and Mj gets along,” said a fan, who referenced Hamlin’s friendship with former Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan.
“YEAH DENNY🔥🔥🔥🔥,” another commenter said.
A different comment read: “Can’t be anymore real than Hamlin. He understands the assignment.”
“That’s why we love him! He’s his own person and has his own personality. He’s not fake, not trying to be someone he’s not. What you see is what you get and that’s why I’ve been a fan for 20+ years!” another seemingly passionate fan commented.
“Tell it like it is,” chimed in a fan.
“I can’t stand Denny, but I can absolutely get behind his explanation on this,” an Instagram user added.
Hamlin dominated the Martinsville race, as he led for a total of 274 laps. His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Christopher Bell, finished second while Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing, which Hamlin is a co-owner of – was third.
It was a great way for Hamlin to end his winless streak at the said track, where he previously had not won for 10 years. Before Sunday, the last time Hamlin won at the Martinsville Speedway was during the STP 500 on March 29, 2015.
Overall in his NASCAR Cup Series career, Hamlin has six wins, 21 top 5s and 27 top 25s in 39 starts at Martinsville Speedway.
As for this season, Hamlin has a win, three top 5s and four top 10s through eight starts.
Related: Denny Hamlin Sends Blunt 4-Word Message Immediately After Sunday’s Win
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