NASCAR Cup Series star Denny Hamlin has once again reiterated his desire to call it quits at the end of the 2027 season.
The latest comments on his retirement came from the Joe Gibbs Racing star at Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday after winning the All-Star Race and it's $1 million prize money.
Speaking to the media post-race, Joe Gibbs Racing co-owner Heather Gibbs issued a glowing verdict on the team's driver, hinting she'd like him to remain beyond the end of his current deal, which runs until the end of next season.
Hamlin has stated multiple times that it will be his last in the sport, but Joe Gibbs Racing would love for him to stick around.
“Having him, he’s still at the top," Gibbs said. "He definitely hasn’t fallen off.
"I think we keep joking, 'Hey, what about another year?' To have someone to be able to step into the 11 car and win, you’re not going to have that. Denny is kind of a legend in that car.”
READ MORE: Kyle Larson's All-Star Race nightmare compounded by double NASCAR penalty
Denny Hamlin reiterates retirement plans
Naturally, Hamlin was then asked about those comments when he himself sat down with the media, but it doesn't sound as though he plans on prolonging his career.
Instead, Hamlin wants to go out on top, even if it means leaving some on the table.
"I mean, I want to finish like this. I do," Hamlin said when asked if he'd consider racing for one more year after 2027.
"I do not want to go through the regression. My ego will not allow me to be mediocre. So, I mean, I’m going to have to leave some on the table at some point, right?
"In order to know that you can win your last race, you’re going to have to go into the next year saying, 'I’m not doing it, but I could have.'"
READ MORE: Denny Hamlin reveals touching plans for million-dollar NASCAR All-Star Race prize
