Denny Hamlin Reached 750 NASCAR Cup Series Starts
The veteran Toyota driver hit the milestone during his latest race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Motorsports
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Denny Hamlin has officially joined the ranks of NASCAR elite after reaching 750 career Cup Series starts. He is now the 15th driver in series history to achieve this milestone, a feat completed during the race at Bristol Motor Speedway where he finished eighth.
Why it matters
Hamlin has spent his entire professional tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing, reflecting an uncommon level of organizational stability in modern motorsport. Despite his longevity and 64 career wins, he remains one of the sport's most successful drivers to never capture a series championship.
Hamlin has earned 64 career wins, including three Daytona 500 victories, across 21 years of competition. In the current 2026 season, he maintains an average finishing position of 8.6 over 28 races.
The players
Denny Hamlin
He is a long-time professional race car driver who has spent his entire Cup Series career with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Joe Gibbs Racing
This professional motor racing organization operates the team that has employed Denny Hamlin for his entire Cup Series career.
Joey Logano
He is a professional NASCAR driver who secured the victory in the Bristol race where Hamlin reached his milestone.
Kyle Larson
He is a rival driver currently competing against Hamlin for points lead in the 2026 Chase standings.
The details
Driving the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin celebrated his 750th start with an eighth-place finish at Bristol, a race ultimately won by Joey Logano. Throughout his career, Hamlin has reached the Championship 4 round four times but has yet to secure a season title.
Timeline
October 2005: Hamlin made his Cup Series debut at Kansas Speedway.
June 2025: Hamlin reached the 700-start milestone at Nashville Superspeedway.
September 19, 2026: Hamlin hit his 750th career Cup Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Season Trajectory
This milestone highlights Hamlin's enduring presence as he remains in the thick of the 2026 playoff battle. With Kyle Larson currently edging him in the points standings, the remainder of the season will determine if Hamlin can secure his first championship after two decades of racing.
Hamlin's eighth-place result at Bristol and his standing relative to Kyle Larson determine his trajectory through the 2026 playoff rounds. His consistency is evidenced by 27 consecutive races finished on the lead lap, a key metric for fantasy participants and playoff advancement.
The takeaway
Hamlin's longevity in the NASCAR Cup Series proves that sustained excellence with a single team remains a viable path in professional racing. His pursuit of a first championship after 750 starts underscores the difficulty of securing a title in the modern playoff era.
Further reading
Learn more about the current Motorsports season standings and schedule.
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