Denny Hamlin Celebrates 700th NASCAR Cup Series Start

Denny Hamlin reached a major milestone at Nashville Superspeedway by making his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start. The race, known as the Cracker Barrel 400, was held Sunday, June 1, placing Hamlin among an exclusive group of just 22 drivers to reach 700 starts in the Cup Series.

At 44 years old, Hamlin joined recent inductee Jimmie Johnson, who also accomplished his 700th start only a week prior at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hamlin has driven the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing as a full-time Cup Series competitor since 2006.

He arrived at this landmark starting with 56 career victories, which ranks 11th all-time among Cup Series drivers. Hamlin’s record includes trips to Victory Lane over nearly two decades at the top level of NASCAR.

He is known for his consistency and ability to compete at a high level season after season. This year, Hamlin has already captured two wins, showing that even in his 44th year, he remains a strong contender each weekend.

These victories have secured him a spot in what will be his 19th appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Each playoff season gives him another shot at the championship and the highly sought-first Bill France Cup — a title that has so far eluded him despite several close runs.

Hamlin’s rise in NASCAR traces back to his debut with Joe Gibbs Racing, where he quickly made an impact by winning races early in his career. Throughout his time in the series, Hamlin has become one of the sport’s most recognized and successful drivers, earning wins at some of the most challenging tracks.

His performance keeps him in the spotlight during every major Cup Series event. Only a handful of drivers reach the 700-start mark.

This group includes legends and Hall of Famers, reflecting not only skill but also the ability to race at a high level for many years. Hamlin’s consistency and durability make his journey notable in a sport where careers can be cut short by injuries or changing circumstances.

Entering Sunday’s race at Nashville, Hamlin’s focus remains on adding to his win total and chasing a championship. Each race counts as the season moves toward the playoffs, where the best drivers compete for the sport’s biggest prize.

With his track record and current form, Hamlin continues to be a major figure as the season advances. As the season unfolds, Hamlin’s achievements will be closely followed by fans and analysts across NASCAR.

Every additional start and win adds to an already impressive career that ranks among the best. His 700th start is a new chapter in a story still being written on tracks all across the country.