LONG POND, Pa., June 15 — Denny Hamlin secured his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory on Sunday at Pocono Raceway, further cementing his place among the sport’s top drivers while sparking renewed discussion about his future in racing.

The 45-year-old driver, who is currently the oldest full-time competitor in the Cup Series, claimed his fourth win of the 2026 season and eighth career victory at Pocono. This latest triumph pushed Hamlin past fellow Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) alumnus Kyle Busch for sole possession of ninth place on NASCAR’s all-time wins list, with 64 total victories. Hamlin had previously tied Busch last week with his 63rd career win.

Hamlin’s success has prompted speculation about whether he might extend his career beyond the 2027 season, the final year of his current two-year contract extension signed with Joe Gibbs Racing. The veteran driver has indicated that 2027 will likely be his last season, emphasizing a desire to retire while still performing at a high level.

JGR co-owner Heather Gibbs acknowledged Hamlin’s outstanding recent performance, highlighting the challenge in contemplating his retirement amid his winning streak. “If it works out and he’s still producing and he wants to, it’s a huge commitment for him,” she said, noting Hamlin’s interest in potentially managing his own team as a future endeavor. “He so far has put a stop to such talk despite performing at the highest level of his long career.”

Hamlin, who faced personal challenges last year, including the loss of the championship in the season finale and the death of his father in a December house fire, conceded that he is currently enjoying peak performance with a strong team supporting him. “I would certainly say it’s the best we’ve been,” Hamlin said. “We come to the racetrack every week knowing we got a great shot to win. The team’s doing an amazing job giving me exactly what I need in the car every single week.”

Sunday’s win was especially meaningful as it came nearly 20 years to the day after Hamlin’s first career victory, which also occurred at Pocono on June 11, 2006. He swept the two races held at the Pennsylvania track that year and described the venue as “like a second home.”

Despite the milestone of 64 career wins, Hamlin noted that this marks the first time in his career he has won three consecutive Cup Series races. The accomplishment ties him with NASCAR legends Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, and Darrell Waltrip, all Hall of Fame drivers who achieved similar streaks in the 1960s through early 1980s.

Hamlin also referenced a controversial moment from 2022, when NASCAR disqualified what would have been his ninth win at Pocono due to a failed post-race inspection, saying, “They aren’t getting that checkered flag back.”

Toyota drivers dominated the top two positions on Sunday, as Tyler Reddick, who races for 23XI Racing—a team co-owned by Hamlin and Michael Jordan—finished second. Hamlin currently trails Reddick by 19 points in the Cup Series standings as the season progresses.