NASCAR star Denny Hamlin issues latest retirement verdict after Michigan victory

NASCAR star Denny Hamlin has suggested he could face a tough decision over whether or not to make a U-Turn on his Cup Series retirement decision.

Ever since signing his most recent contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing, the driver of the No. 11 Toyota has been adamant that he will call it quits on his career at the end of 2027, despite his continued ability to not only win, but dominate races.

As recently as last week, Hamlin reaffirmed why he'd chosen to retire at the end of 2027 and opened up about his ambition to win his final Cup Series race and go out at the top of his game.

However, after another impressive victory at Michigan on Sunday, Hamlin offered a hint that if he keeps up his current form, there could yet be a U-turn.

Denny Hamlin facing 'tough' retirement decision

"I think if - and that’s a big if - like I’m at this point and this fast at this point next year, it would be a tough, tough decision," Hamlin said on whether he'd consider continuing to race.

"That’s not saying that I would, but it would be a tough decision because, again, I’m planning for the downfall that I know will come.

"I always say there’s like three things that happen. You’re going to lose your eyesight, then you lose, in no particular order, it’s your eyesight, your reaction, and then your body hurts. I’ve already got the body hurts part of it, right? It’s just the other two things have remained really sharp."

Hamlin on career achievements

Despite the above, Hamlin stated he's fully content with his career and achievements, and would not feel any more gratified continuing on and winning more races.

"Yeah, I don’t know. It was certainly a goal to get to 63 as of a couple years ago, or a year ago, because I knew that would put me by myself in ninth," he explained.

"I ain’t getting to eighth (Dale Earnhardt with 76 wins), so what am I doing? You know what I mean? I’m content. If I quit tomorrow, I swear I will feel no more gratified than if I go out there and win 72 races. It makes no difference."

"Nobody cares," Hamlin concluded. "You’ll be forgotten within six months of when you’re not here. I might as well just enjoy life while I’m still somewhat young and be able to be there a little bit more for the kids and what they’re doing."