Denny Hamlin on ‘11 against the world’ motto: ‘If I can’t shit talk then it takes away my superpower’

Upon winning his first race of the NASCAR Cup Series season, Denny Hamlin and his team unveiled a new flag and motto. “11 against the world” is the new go-to for Hamlin. But what does it mean?

Anyone who has followed NASCAR throughout Denny Hamlin’s career will know he’s not the most humble. Hamlin likes to call his shot, he likes to talk, and that rubs people the wrong way a lot of times.

Talking to the media after his sixth Martinsville win, Hamlin was asked about the flag. It’s just part of who he is as a driver and competitor.

“Why not is the question? Why not?” Hamlin said, smiling.

“It’s just, that’s me. I mean, go shoot hoops with me, play pickleball with me, play golf with me. If I can’t shit talk, it takes away my superpower. I’m not nearly as good. My friends, it drives them absolutely crazy. To me, that part of it, it fuels me and it just makes me feel good. That’s it.”

Denny Hamlin is now tied for 11th all-time in wins. He has his eyes set on the next big wins milestone, 60. That is where Kevin Harvick sits, gatekeeping that top-10 list.

When it comes to Martinsville wins, Hamlin joins an elite group. With six wins, Hamlin is tied with Dale Earnhardt, Cale Yarborough, and Fred Lorenzen at the Paperclip. Only Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Rusty Wallace have more.

While Denny Hamlin is 44 years old and turning 45 later this year, he’s showing little to no sign of letting up. How many wins can Hamlin get this season with crew chief Chris Gayle? Three top-five finishes in the last four races has this 11 team looking very sporty.

Denny Hamlin gets the win in dominant fashion

Out of 400 laps on Sunday, Denny Hamlin led 274. That is what you call dominance. He didn’t just win this race, he owned this race. And he got his new big-time sponsor their first win. I’m sure Progressive is happy with that deal now.

Hamlin is the short track guy. Until proven otherwise, he should be considered a favorite at all of these classic short tracks. Honestly, with how the schedule lines up, he has a chance to win another race or two.

Darlington, Bristol, and Talladega are good tracks for Hamlin. Even if Dega is even more of a crapshoot than it used to be in the Next Gen era. As we look further out, we get to tracks like Kansas, Charlotte, and Nashville – more great places for Hamlin.

With Denny Hamlin winning at Martinsville, Joe Gibbs Racing has four of the first seven wins in 2025. That group is doing a good job right now through Hamlin and Christopher Bell. Now they need the other two drivers to get it going.