11 for the No. 11: A collection of Denny Hamlin’s most memorable Cup Series wins
1 of 12
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
"I can't imagine there's a win bigger for me than this one," Denny Hamlin said after Sunday's race at Las Vegas, where he notched his 60th Cup Series win. A multitude of factors -- the milestone, his family, the playoff implications -- weighed into that statement, but it also prompted some reflection on the biggest moments in his tradition of success. With a heavy nod to the diligence and research done by NASCAR historian Ken Martin, here are 11 of the top wins from the No. 11 driver.
2 of 12
Doug Pensinger | Getty Images
First of many
Date: June 11, 2006
Track: Pocono Raceway
Notable: Hamlin tamed the "Tricky Triangle" for his first big-league win in his 21st Cup Series start. Hamlin won both Pocono races from the pole position that season on his way to Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
3 of 12
Chris Trotman | Getty Images
Saving the streak
Date: Nov. 17, 2013
Track: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Notable: Hamlin missed four races in the 2013 season with a broken back, but closed out the campaign by ending a 43-race dry spell in the season finale. The win came a day before his 33rd birthday, and it was the last season-ending race before the elimination era debuted in 2014. It also extended his streak of at least one win each season to eight.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
4 of 12
Sarah Crabill | Getty Images
Crown jewel, by an eyelash
Date: Feb. 21, 2016
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Notable: Hamlin made all the right moves on the final lap to foil Martin Truex Jr. by 0.010 seconds at the line, claiming the closest Daytona 500 ever. He led 95 of the 200 laps in his 27th Cup Series victory.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
5 of 12
Sarah Crabill | Getty Images
Labor Day classic
Date: Sept. 3, 2017
Track: Darlington Raceway
Notable: Hamlin's first Southern 500 win came with a dramatic chase of Martin Truex Jr., who bowed out of the battle when a flat tire struck with three laps remaining. His throwback-design car paid tribute to fellow Virginian and Hall of Famer Ray Hendrick, sporting the flying No. 11.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
6 of 12
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
Daytona, part 2
Date: Feb. 17, 2019
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Notable: Hamlin honored Joe Gibbs Racing executive and mentor J.D. Gibbs with his second Daytona 500 crown. The victory came in overtime, with Hamlin holding off teammates Kyle Busch and Erik Jones at the stripe in a 1-2-3 JGR finish.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
7 of 12
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
Great American back-to-back
Date: Feb. 17, 2020
Track: Daytona International Speedway
Notable: Hamlin's third Daytona 500 title came in back-to-back fashion, something that only five drivers have achieved in Cup Series history. He narrowly topped Ryan Blaney by 0.014 seconds as a final-lap crash in overtime erupted behind them.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
8 of 12
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
Two tough to tame
Date: Sept. 5, 2021
Track: Darlington Raceway
Notable: Hamlin landed his second Southern 500 victory, coming out ahead by roughly a car-length in a spirited late-race duel with Kyle Larson. The victory was his first of the '21 campaign after a rare winless regular season.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
9 of 12
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
Going the distance
Date: May 29, 2022
Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Notable: Two overtimes made the Coca-Cola 600 the longest race in NASCAR history (619.5 miles, 413 laps), and Hamlin emerged on top after several contenders faded down the stretch. "It's the last big one that’s not on my résumé," Hamlin said after his first 600 win. "It meant so much."
Watch: NASCAR Classics
10 of 12
Meg Oliphant | Getty Images
Beating your favorite driver
Date: Sept. 16, 2023
Track: Bristol Motor Speedway
Notable: Hamlin made a playoff statement -- and a dramatic heel turn -- by winning Bristol's annual night race for a third time. He played to the crowd after his 51st Cup victory: "I beat your favorite driver. ... All of 'em."
Watch: NASCAR Classics
11 of 12
Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images
Clocking in
Date: March 30, 2025
Track: Martinsville Speedway
Notable: Hamlin clinched his first Martinsville victory since 2015, securing his sixth grandfather clock trophy in his home state. The win was also his first with current No. 11 crew chief Chris Gayle.
Watch: NASCAR Classics
12 of 12
Logan Riely | Getty Images
Milestone achievement
Date: Oct. 12, 2025
Track: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Notable: Hamlin summoned some extra oomph in the final green-flag run at Vegas, landing his 60th Cup Series win. The victory pulled him into a tie with Kevin Harvick on the circuit's all-time win list and vaulted him into the Championship 4 field.
Watch: Full race replay