Fans made Denny Hamlin 'feel like a champion' after crushing 2025 title loss

Over the years, Denny Hamlin has begun to lean into the role of NASCAR's heel, antagonizing fans and being unapologetic for the way he races. 

But a different side of Hamlin was shown in the wake of his gut-wrenching championship loss in 2025. He was clearly devastated, and after a tumultuous offseason that included the tragic death of his father and the re-aggravation of a shoulder injury. 

A positive outpouring from the same fans that once booed Hamlin mercilessly helped him get back to Daytona in relatively good spirits. 

Denny Hamlin thankful for fan support

"They've been really supportive over the last few months," Hamlin told Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass regarding NASCAR fans. "After Phoenix, how that kind of ended, just how many comments and messages that I got from fans — it made me feel like I was a champion even though I didn't have the ring and the trophy." 

"They certainly made me feel like I'd accomplished what I was hoping to accomplish. If the boos turn to cheers, that will make me happy."

Hamlin enters his 21st full-time season of Cup Series competition behind the wheel of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing car, searching for his first championship and his fourth Daytona 500 victory.