NASCAR great Denny Hamlin laid one well-known NASCAR curse to rest when he claimed a brilliant Cup Series victory at Pocono on Sunday.

The 45-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing star is in red-hot form now, Sunday's victory made it three in a row and 64 career victories in the sport's premier series.

Hamlin closed within 19 points of Tyler Reddick in the Cup Series standings but he also claimed victory with King's Hawaiian as his main sponsor. Why is that a big deal you may ask?

The exact numbers are fuzzy, but the lore is that any time Denny has those minions on his JGR No. 11 Toyota car, he loses. Plain and simple.

Now though all the misfortune which has befallen the Cup Series superstar can be consigned to history. He's a winner again with King's Hawaiian.

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Hamlin says 'the curse is over'

Even Denny himself referenced 'the curse' when he spoke to media postrace, admitting: "I have to say, awesome for the King’s Hawaiian car, finally the King’s Hawaiian curse is over. They thought my head was getting a little big, so they made me wear this suit this week to put me back to where I need to be.

"Just so happy for this whole Joe Gibbs Racing team. The pit crew is flawless right now. We got it all going."

Hamlin victory a first at Pocono

As well as ending the curse, Hamlin also claimed his first ever win at Pocono and described the whole experience as 'special'.

"Pocono has mastered the fan experience from the crowd in the stands to the infield here, Nick and his whole team has done an amazing job," he said.

Boos turn to cheers for Hamlin

Hamlin had another reason to smile Sunday - instead of the normal boos there were a ton of cheers for the superstar veteran. The tide is truly turning as Denny enters the final phase of his glittering career and it was something he did notice.

"I mean, thank you. That really means a lot, seriously. Thank you so much for that. It’s like a second home for me.

Confident Denny riding the crest of a wave

Right now there is nothing Hamlin cannot do - he is driving at the peak of his powers in a car which appears just about unbeatable on ovals. Not surprisingly, he said confidence is high at JGR.

"I would certainly say it’s the best we’ve been. We come to the racetrack every week knowing we got a great shot to win.

"The team’s doing an amazing job giving me exactly what I need in the car every single week. That’s why we’re winning."

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