Richard Petty Warns as Denny Hamlin Gains Momentum
Richard Petty, the NASCAR stock car racing athlete with 200 Cup Series victories, warns not to bet against Denny Hamlin as he gains momentum in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Hamlin won back-to-back races at Nashville Superspeedway and Michigan International Speedway.
Hamlin's recent performances have sparked discussion about his potential to challenge for the regular-season title. He has quickly closed the gap in the championship standings, with 11 races remaining before the playoffs.
Richard Petty commended Hamlin's performance on his podcast, saying "The way things are falling for him, I'm not going to bet anything against him." Petty, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, believes Hamlin's current form makes him a threat at any venue.
Hamlin's next challenge is Pocono Raceway, where he has enjoyed tremendous success throughout his career. He earned his first Cup Series victory there in 2006 and remains the winningest driver in Pocono history with seven victories.
Hamlin's recent record at Pocono is impressive, including a win in 2023 and second-place finishes in both 2024 and 2025. However, road courses have not traditionally been his strongest tracks, with his lone Cup Series road-course victory coming at Watkins Glen in 2016.
After Pocono, the NASCAR Cup Series will visit Sonoma Raceway and the Chicago Street Circuit, which are expected to favor Shane van Gisbergen. Hamlin's ability to perform on road courses will be put to the test, and Petty's warning will be closely watched as the season unfolds.
Denny Hamlin started from the rear of the field and worked his way through the pack to secure his 63rd career Cup Series victory at Michigan, tying him with Kyle Busch for ninth place on NASCAR's all-time wins list. The win continued a strong run that has seen him finish third or better in four of the last five races.
Hamlin's consistency has helped him make a significant move in the championship standings, reducing the gap to points leader Tyler Reddick to just 51 points. With 11 races remaining before the playoffs, Hamlin's surge will be closely watched as he attempts to challenge for the regular-season title.