Denny Hamlin 'considered all options' before deciding to race in 2026

Hamlin, who won six races in 2025 and is a still searching for his first Cup championship after 20 years, told Pockrass he hasn't "locked in for the season, necessarily, quite yet."

"I think once I get in the swing of it, it'll actually be good to get back to it," the veteran driver added.

What lies ahead for Denny Hamlin

Hamlin told Fox Sports that he's "OK, as to be expected" in the wake of the tragic fire that resulted in the death of his father and hospitalized his mother, Mary Lou. Hamlin said that his mother "is getting better." 

From a competitive standpoint, Hamlin has plenty of reasons for optimism going into 2026. He and crew chief Chris Gayle gelled very well in their first season together in 2025, and JGR Toyotas are once again expected to be quick on a weekly basis. 

Hamlin may not be 100% focused on the upcoming season yet, but that doesn't mean he won't be a threat to win on a weekly basis. 

Hamlin will first see the track in the exhibition Clash at Bowman Gray on Feb. 1, with the Cup Series season officially beginning with the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15.