Denny Hamlin has reached a remarkable milestone in his NASCAR Cup Series career, joining the elite “700 Career Starts Club.” This exclusive group includes legends such as Buddy Baker and seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson, underscoring the longevity and consistency required to compete at this level for nearly two decades.
Since making his debut in 2005, Hamlin has become one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. With over 50 career wins, multiple appearances in the Championship 4, and three Daytona 500 victories, his résumé stands as one of the most impressive among active drivers. Reaching 700 starts not only reflects his talent but also his durability, professionalism, and unwavering drive for excellence.
Joining Buddy Baker, a powerhouse of the 1970s and 80s known for his fearless driving and charisma, and Jimmie Johnson, whose seven championships cemented him as one of NASCAR’s greatest, places Hamlin in rare company. Each of these drivers has helped shape the sport’s history in unique ways.
While Hamlin has yet to capture a Cup Series championship, his continued performance and leadership—both on the track and as a team co-owner at 23XI Racing—demonstrate that his influence in NASCAR goes far beyond race results. As he adds more starts and potentially more victories to his career, Hamlin’s legacy as one of the modern era’s most impactful drivers becomes even clearer.
Reaching 700 starts isn’t just a statistic—it’s a testament to a career defined by excellence, endurance, and passion for racing.
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