Denny Hamlin could have greater {hardware} on his thoughts over the following 10 weeks, however NASCAR’s high driver by way of the primary 26 races of 2026 lastly has a trophy to point out for it.
Hamlin completed the common season atop the NASCAR Cup Sequence standings, securing the No. 1 seed for the newly revived Chase and a 25-point benefit over Ryan Blaney coming into Sunday’s postseason opener at Darlington Raceway.
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There was only one uncommon element.
With NASCAR returning to a 10-race Chase format this season, the sanctioning physique moved away from the official “regular-season champion” designation and trophy that had accompanied the earlier playoff system.
Hamlin nonetheless acquired one anyway.
Soiled Mo Media shared images Wednesday of Hamlin holding a trophy labeled “Denny Hamlin — 2026 NASCAR Common Season Champion.” Sitting on high was a small goat.
The caption made positive no person missed the joke.
“Denny acquired his trophy.
😂
🐐
“Common Season Champ.
“And, the GOAT.”
It is a playful strategy to acknowledge what was, by just about any measure, an impressive common season from the 45-year-old.
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And if Hamlin can preserve that degree for an additional 10 races, the following trophy will not be a joke.
Denny Hamlin Earned the No. 1 Seed the Exhausting Means
Hamlin did not attain the highest of the standings by way of one dominant stretch or a handful of lucky finishes.
He constructed probably the most full common seasons within the Cup Sequence.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver received 4 races, at Las Vegas, Nashville, Michigan and Pocono, whereas accumulating 14 top-five finishes and 17 top-10s. He additionally led a series-high 880 laps.
Maybe simply as importantly, Hamlin averted the disastrous afternoons that may destroy a factors marketing campaign. He made it by way of all 26 regular-season races with out a DNF.
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The reward is substantial beneath NASCAR’s new championship construction.
Hamlin begins The Chase with 2,100 factors, 25 forward of second-seeded Blaney and 35 forward of third-seeded Tyler Reddick. In contrast to the earlier playoff system, there might be no elimination rounds and no four-driver, winner-take-all championship finale.
The motive force with probably the most factors after 10 races wins the Cup Sequence title.
For Hamlin, which means the consistency that put him atop the standings by way of 26 races all of a sudden issues greater than ever.
Hamlin Now Has 10 Races to Flip His Common-Season Title Into One thing Greater
Hamlin made that time himself Wednesday when discussing the format.
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“You give me extra of a pattern measurement, and we’ll show that we’re one of the best over an extended time frame,” Hamlin mentioned. “I feel that that is what our followers have to concentrate on is that simply it is a marathon, not a dash.”
It is a becoming perspective from the driving force who simply received NASCAR’s first marathon of 2026.
Hamlin’s regular-season efficiency established him because the No. 1 seed. Now comes the half that has adopted him all through his profession.
The Cup Sequence championship.
At 45, Hamlin owns 60-plus Cup victories and has constructed a résumé that already locations him amongst NASCAR’s most completed drivers. The obvious omission stays the championship he has repeatedly come near profitable.
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The brand new format offers him a bonus earlier than the inexperienced flag even falls at Darlington.
It does not give him the title.
However earlier than NASCAR’s championship battle begins Sunday, Hamlin can a minimum of benefit from the {hardware} he earned over the primary 26 races.
Goat and all.
