Denny Hamlin’s Championship Hopes Are Slipping Away, but Could He Still Pull Off an Incredible Comeback?

Photo by: Greg AtkinsDenny Hamlin entered the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase looking like one of the favorites to finally capture his first career championship. However, after a difficult stretch of races and a disappointing afternoon at Talladega, Hamlin suddenly finds himself in a position where he needs something special to keep his championship dreams alive.With only two races remaining, the question is whether the veteran driver can turn things around before it is too late.Talladega Put Hamlin in a Tough PositionHamlin managed an eighth-place finish at Talladega, but that was not nearly enough to keep pace with Kyle Larson.Larson captured the victory and extended his championship lead to 73 points over Hamlin. While the No. 11 team gained two positions in the standings, the gap between the two championship contenders became significantly larger.Hamlin has struggled to find consistency throughout the Chase, and he cannot afford another average performance.Martinsville Could Be His Last ChanceFortunately for Hamlin, the next race takes place at Martinsville Speedway.The short track has historically been one of his strongest venues. Hamlin has won more Martinsville grandfather clocks than any other active full-time driver, giving him a major opportunity to make up ground.However, he needs more than just a solid finish. He needs a victory and some help from Larson if he wants to keep the championship battle alive.Can Denny Finally Complete the Comeback?Hamlin has spent years chasing his first Cup Series championship, and this could be one of his final opportunities to accomplish that goal in 2026.According to NASCAR’s championship scenarios, winning both remaining races would dramatically improve his chances.Could Denny Hamlin finally pull off the comeback and capture his first NASCAR championship, or is Kyle Larson simply too far ahead?