Always one step short. Denny Hamlin might never know what holding the Cup Series championship trophy feels like. On Sunday’s playoff race at Martinsville, Joe Gibbs Racing‘s #11 driver put on a racing spectacle that was one for the ages. He won the first stage. Led the initial laps of the second, but his luck would only carry him so far. With Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney picking the role of the protagonist, the “villain” of NASCAR fell on his knees at race-end.

Hamlin finished P3, while Blaney’s #12 Ford Mustang cruised ahead to the victory lane. For the 18th season in a row, the NASCAR icon will know what is like to NOT have his hands on the ultimate title. However, it looks like many in the community are rejoicing over Hamlin’s misery.

Denny Hamlin sends a mixed message thanking fans for their support

In the aftermath of the event, Hamlin leaned against his loyal Camry as the celebrations of the winning team was heard in the vicinity. Unusually emotionless and silent, the driver had few words to share with the press. In the 500 laps that required him to bring his very best self, Hamlin did just that. Xfinity 500, for the #11 team was a neat and perfect affair. They won the first stage, finished runner-up in the second, and third overall. Unfortunately, the only thing they could not get themselves to do was, win.

In a different scenario, the #12 Ford wouldn’t have been putting up such a strong contention for Hamlin. But this was Martinsville. Both Blaney and Hamlin needed the win for themselves. And, the former just got better in the end. As reported by Jordan Bianchi, Hamlin said, “I can’t second-guess or doubt myself because I know that there’s nothing else I could have done. Absolutely nothing else.” Wallowing in the moments of defeat, the driver also took to social media to thank the fans who stood by him all the while.

The emotional gesture from Hamlin comes after a season that was marred with antagonism from the community. Branded with the “villain” tag for much of the year, he has been battling strong waves of negativity week in and week out.

Watch This Story: Denny Hamlin: From Underdog to Champion

But even his message of gratitude after being knocked out was met with the same response from the opposing camps. Adding a spoon of confusion with his message that sounded to many like a retirement hat-tip, Hamlin had a few in worry.

As the dust settles on the chaotic Martinsville affair, the racing community rejoices in Hamlin’s failure

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Denny Hamlin’s tweet was one that caused confusion to some. The tone and wording of the message led some to believe that he could be retiring. A fan wrote, “This sounds like a retirement announcement,” and another got behind them saying, “Why does this sound like a retirement announcement but get em next year dawg.” Hamlin just recently renewed his contract to stay at Joe Gibbs Racing and there’s no basis for the idea that he could be hanging up his boots.

Perhaps if Hamlin had not picked on the fans who weren’t fond of him after his wins, he wouldn’t be receiving as much backlash as he is now. In 2023, the 42-year-old was a different driver than he had been in the past few years. That’s what many, including Dale Earnhardt Jr, believed. The change in his attitude was what led many to believe that he could actually have a fantastic shot this year at his maiden trophy. Weeks back, the driver himself had said, “This is our year,” in words of complete confidence.

Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for his haters, his hopes failed once again. Reacting to his message for his loyalists, the members of the opposite camp raided his comment box. Taking his message a bit too literally, one user on “X”, wrote, “I mean your literally my least favorite driver, but I’m certain you have at least 12 fans”.

Another racing fan brought to the driver’s front door his own words from the past. He stingingly shot, “What happened???? Thought this was your year?? It was your year to choke as always. Great job!!!!”. All this wrath from the community was perhaps brought upon by Hamlin himself. After his Bristol win last month, he mocked the stands saying, “‘I beat your favorite driver — All of them“. These words weren’t forgotten by the fans. One commented, “A lot of favorite peoples driver gonna win a championship this year, still not gonna be you.”

For now, the #11 driver will be hoping to sting hard at the Championship 4 at Phoenix, and wait for next season. Another year goes by with the veteran watching others, pass him to court glory.

Read More: Denny Hamlin Blames “Mechanical Failure” for Yet Another Championship Loss, Plans on Spoiling the Party at Phoenix