Who Is Denny Hamlin? New Details On The Daytona 500 Winner
Everything you need to know.
Instagram If you aren't a fan of NASCAR or Formula 1 or any other type of car racing event, you probably don't care about who won the Daytona 500 this year. Well, I hate to tell you this, but that's about to change. I know, I know, it's not like you have room left on the list of things you're interested in to care deeply about car racing, but see, that was before you knew about Denny Hamlin. Who is he? Why none other than the driver who wonthe Daytona 500 this year and looked DAMN good while doing it.
All eyes were on the Daytona 500 this year, and not just because of Denny and his awesomeness, either. This year there were more than 3 major collisions in the last 10 laps of the day, and that's not factoring in all of the other bumps and jolts that came earlier on in the race. Thankfully, Denny wasn't involved in any of them, and at the end of the day, he came out ahead the winner of the entire kit and caboodle. It's certainly not going to be too long at all before every race-head has a poster of him up in their garage.
Denny's handsome, a skilled driver, and a fancy man, but there's a whole lot more to him than that. So whether you're a big fan of everything the Hamlin does, or you're just checking in to learn more about this man you know only a thimble-full about, you're absolutely in the right place. Here are 5 of the most important things you need to know about seasoned NASCAR driver and 2019 Daytona 500 winner, Denny Hamlin.
1. He's a pro!
Obviously, winning the Daytona 500 means that Denny has spent years training up behind the wheel to make sure he's is at the top of his game. While this year's win will surely launch him into legendary status, it isn't the first time he's been made racing headlines by a long shot!
In fact, just a few years at the 2016 Daytona 500, Denny came in second place. It's clear he's spent the few last years making up the difference between silver and gold and now he's got the title of champion to prove it.
2. He gives back
Supporting causes relevant to his field and not, Denny always uses the spotlight put on him due to his stellar racing to make a tremendous impact on the world around him. He knows just how important it is to give back when you're in the position to do so.
This year, Denny was awarded the "checkered flag" from Joe Gibbs Racing Club. The prize came just months after Joe's son, J.D., died at the age of 49 following a tough battle with a neurological disease. He didn't just accept the prize and forget about the cause, either. After winning this year's Daytona 500, he got out of his car and said, "This one is for J.D. We're going to miss him desperately for the rest of our lives."
3. He's not a fan favorite
That's right, believe it or not, in spite of his stellar skills as a driver and his big ol' heart, Denny Hamlin is not exactly a favorite with fans, but it's something he's totally aware of, which makes it kind of endearing.
In fact, he's even spoken about what it's like to be "disliked" publicly. "I always look at videos they have of me or pictures that are taken, and I look like I’m pissed off all the time,” Denny revealed on the Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s popular podcast. “And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I probably wouldn’t approach him, either.’”
Remember, faces aren't facts! If he looks grumpy, it's probably just because he's got other stuff on his mind!
4. He's a family man
Denny isn't married but that hardly means that he is on the market, as the saying goes. In fact, it's quite the contrary. Denny has been in a very long-term relationship with his girlfriend and baby mama, Jordan Fish.
If you need more proof that this relationship is far from being casual, Jordan and Denny have already started building their family together. They are the parents of two adorable little girls, Molly Gold Hamlin, who is one, and Taylor James Hamlin, who just turned 6!
5. He's a winner
The Daytona 500 isn't the only race where Hamlin has proven his killer instincts and come away with top prizes, either. Throughout much of his career, Denny has been the man to watch when it comes to world of NASCAR racing.
In his thirteen seasons behind the wheel, he's won more than 32 titles, including a couple of the big ones, yeah that's right, he's got some Daytonas in his collection. It's clear that this winning racecar driver has no plans on slowing down any time soon and we can't hardly blame him.
Rebecca Jane Stokes is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her cat, Batman. Her work focuses on relationships, pop culture and news. For more of her work, check out her Tumblr.