Denny Hamlin may not have walked away from the regular season with an official piece of hardware from NASCAR, but that didn't stop his most loyal supporters from making sure he felt the love. The veteran driver, who topped the points standings in 2026, was surprised with a homemade championship trophy from a fan group known as the “DennyBros.” And over the weekend, he made it clear just how much that gesture meant to him.
In a chat with former CBS Sports NASCAR writer Steve Taranto, Hamlin couldn't hide his appreciation. “I appreciate it, my fans are awesome,” he said. “I mean, I'm gonna display it. NASCAR doesn't— or won't give me one but at least the fans did.”
The trophy, which Hamlin joked might be 3D-printed or carved from wood, was a creative tribute to his stellar regular season. He also took to social media, sharing a snapshot of the award with the caption: “DennyBros got my back 🤝🏆.” It's a small but meaningful nod to a fanbase that has stuck with him through thick and thin.
While Hamlin has collected plenty of trophies over the years, he noted that this one feels different. “I have one as an owner from Tyler Reddick a couple of years ago, but it's not the same,” he admitted. The gesture clearly struck a chord with the 23XI Racing co-owner, who has often been at the center of NASCAR's biggest storylines.
The regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway saw Hamlin finish 11th in the Coke Zero Sugar 400, but his consistency throughout the year was unmatched. He ended the regular season with four wins, four poles, 14 top-5 finishes, and 17 top-10s, amassing 2,100 points to lead the standings. It's a performance that would normally earn a championship trophy, but NASCAR's rules left Hamlin empty-handed in that department.
Still, the fans' gesture has clearly resonated with the driver, who is now turning his attention to the playoffs. With a group of hungry competitors gunning for his No. 1 spot, Hamlin knows the real work begins now. But at least he'll have a tangible reminder of his regular season dominance—and the fans who appreciate it.
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