In the high-octane world of NASCAR, drivers are known for their precision, speed, and focus. But as the 2025 Daytona 500 approaches, Denny Hamlin, a three-time winner of the iconic race, has found himself in an unexpected spotlight—not for his racing skills, but for an unusual piece of personal history unearthed from his past.
The “Lost Treasure” Resurfaces
During a recent visit to Hamlin’s childhood home in Chesterfield, Virginia, a forgotten artifact emerged from the depths of his family’s storage—a handwritten notebook from Hamlin’s teenage years. Titled “My Racing Dream,” the notebook contained detailed sketches of stock cars, notes on NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon, and personal goals Hamlin had set for himself as an aspiring racer.
The discovery, made by Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou, was shared on social media, sparking a wave of interest among fans and media. “I thought it was just another old box of school papers,” Mary Lou said. “But when I opened it, I knew it was something special. Denny poured his heart into this as a kid.”
Hamlin, now 44, admitted he had completely forgotten about the notebook. “It’s wild seeing it again,” he said. “I was just a kid dreaming big, and to see how far I’ve come since then—it’s humbling.”
A Glimpse into a Champion’s Mind
The notebook offers a rare glimpse into Hamlin’s early passion for racing. Among the pages were drawings of dream paint schemes, including a bright red and white car that closely resembles the FedEx-sponsored No. 11 Toyota he pilots today. There were also detailed lists of goals, such as:
• Win a NASCAR race before age 30.
• Compete in the Daytona 500.
• Race against Jeff Gordon.
• Own a NASCAR team one day.
All of these goals have since been accomplished, with Hamlin not only racing against legends like Gordon but also becoming one himself, amassing 50+ wins and co-owning 23XI Racing with NBA icon Michael Jordan.
“It’s crazy to see how focused I was, even as a kid,” Hamlin reflected. “I always believed I could make it, but I never imagined how much this sport would give me.”
Daytona 500 Symbolism
The resurfacing of the notebook couldn’t have come at a better time, as Hamlin prepares for another run at the Daytona 500—NASCAR’s most prestigious race. Hamlin has already won the event three times (2016, 2019, 2020), putting him among the greatest drivers in Daytona history.
“To see that notebook and realize I wrote about Daytona as a kid, it’s like coming full circle,” Hamlin said. “This race means everything to me, and I’m going all out to win it again.”
The notebook also included a single word written in bold, underlined letters: LEGACY. For Hamlin, legacy has become a driving force in his career as he chases not only another Daytona 500 victory but also his first NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Fan Reactions and NASCAR History
Fans have been buzzing about the discovery, with many commenting on how relatable Hamlin’s childhood dreams are. “It’s inspiring to see that even the biggest stars in NASCAR started as kids with big dreams,” one fan wrote.
Some fans even compared Hamlin’s notebook to the stories of other NASCAR legends, like Dale Earnhardt Jr., who famously sketched racecars in school notebooks during his youth. These moments remind fans of the deeply personal connection drivers have with the sport.
A New Chapter for Denny Hamlin
As the 2025 Daytona 500 draws near, Hamlin’s rediscovered notebook serves as a powerful reminder of where his journey began. For Hamlin, it’s more than just a keepsake—it’s a testament to the power of dreaming big, working hard, and never giving up.
“Looking back at that notebook, I realize that kid in Chesterfield wasn’t just dreaming—he was planning,” Hamlin said. “And I’ve got one more plan to check off: winning that Cup championship.”
With his sights set on Daytona and beyond, Denny Hamlin is more determined than ever to add another chapter to his remarkable story—one that began with a young boy, a notebook, and an unshakable dream.
