Denny Hamlin is one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers—58 Cup Series wins, a commanding presence on the track, and a reputation for excelling under pressure. Yet, there’s one glaring hole in his resume: a Cup Series championship. And despite his remarkable consistency, Hamlin remains a polarizing figure among fans.

Now, as the 2025 season looms, NASCAR fans have delivered another gut punch. When NASCAR took to Instagram to ask fans for their Championship 4 predictions, Hamlin’s name was notably absent from the most popular responses. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, and others dominated the fan picks, leaving Hamlin out in the cold.

Hamlin’s 2024 season was strong—he racked up wins, made the playoffs, and was in contention deep into the postseason. Yet, the championship continues to elude him, and for some fans, that’s reason enough to doubt him. Add in his occasional on-track controversies and his brash persona, and it’s clear why he has a love-hate relationship with the NASCAR faithful.

So why has Denny Hamlin been snubbed so brutally by fans in 2025 predictions? Let’s dive into the drivers fans have chosen and why they’re the ones getting all the love.

The fan favorites: Larson leads, Hamlin left behind

When NASCAR fans were asked to share their picks for the Championship 4, one name consistently topped the charts: Kyle Larson. It’s not hard to see why. Larson’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of stellar, with six wins, including a dominant victory at the Bristol Night Race and multiple top-five finishes across the season. His adaptability across different track types—road courses and superspeedways—remains unmatched. Fans trust him to be a lock for the 2025 Championship 4, thanks to his ability to dominate in clutch moments and his relentless pursuit of victory.

Christopher Bell, another favorite, has been riding a wave of momentum since his return to dirt racing, including strong showings at events like the Chili Bowl Nationals. Bell’s 2024 season showcased his growth as a NASCAR Cup Series contender, with three wins and a consistent run through the season and the playoffs. His ability to deliver under pressure and navigate the postseason with precision has made him a fan darling.

Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s perennial Most Popular Driver, also made several fan prediction lists. After a rocky 2023 season that saw him miss the playoffs, Elliott rebounded in 2024 with a determined effort. He secured one win, snapping a lengthy winless streak at Texas Motor Speedway, and returned to form with consistent top-10 finishes. His massive fanbase, coupled with his undeniable talent, ensures he remains a fixture in Championship 4 conversations.

Tyler Reddick, meanwhile, continues to prove himself as one of the brightest new stars in the sport. Despite missing out on the 2024 title to Joey Logano, his clutch performance to make it to the final four, using his aggressive driving style and knack for finding speed in unexpected places gained him quite a few fans. His deep playoff run and growing confidence make him a favorite for 2025.

Other drivers also made the cut in various fan predictions, including Joey Logano, William Byron, Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney, and even Chase Briscoe. Logano clinched his third NASCAR Cup Series title in 2024, including a key victory at Nashville that reinforced his championship pedigree. Byron, with three wins, delivered one of his most consistent seasons to date, including a triumph in the Daytona 500. Chastain and Blaney both demonstrated their capabilities as playoff threats. Meanwhile, Briscoe surprised many with promising performances, showcasing his growth and potential as a rising star in the sport.

But Hamlin? Nowhere to be found (not exactly but much less than usual).

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Denny Hamlin’s absence from these fan predictions is striking, especially considering his stellar stats. He’s a driver who has made the Championship 4 five times in his career and consistently ranks as one of the top contenders year after year. Yet, fans seem to overlook him—why?

Part of the answer lies in Hamlin’s personality. Never one to shy away from speaking his mind, Hamlin has ruffled feathers over the years with his outspoken opinions and on-track incidents. Some fans see him as too brash, too bold, or too willing to engage in controversies.

His championship drought also plays a role. While Hamlin is undoubtedly one of the best drivers of his generation, the lack of a title creates a narrative that’s hard to shake. In a sport where winning the big one matters most, it’s easy for fans to write off Hamlin as someone who can’t seal the deal.

Still, his omission from the fan predictions feels harsh. Hamlin’s consistency and ability to perform in high-pressure situations should make him a strong contender for any Championship 4 discussion, and while many still had him in their picks, a vast majority of fans seemingly turned the page to focus on other names.

Hamlin isn’t one to let outside opinions dictate his focus. Heading into the 2025 season, he’ll be as motivated as ever to prove his doubters wrong. With a stacked field of competitors, it won’t be easy, but if anyone can rise to the challenge, it’s Denny Hamlin.

As for the fan favorites? There’s no denying the talent and potential of drivers like Larson, Bell, Elliott, and Reddick. But NASCAR is nothing if not unpredictable. The Championship 4 is never set in stone, and if 2024 taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen.