Can anyone in NASCAR ever match the legendary 60 Cup wins again? It's a question that's sparking heated debates among fans and experts alike. After witnessing Denny Hamlin's emotional 60th NASCAR Cup Series victory, racing icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. openly wonders if such a feat is still achievable in today's racing landscape. In a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt delved into which current drivers might have a shot at this monumental milestone—and his insights are both surprising and thought-provoking.
But here's where it gets controversial... Earnhardt named Kyle Larson as a potential contender, stating, “He could do it—if he’s willing to stay in the Cup Series long enough.” Larson, with 32 wins under his belt, is undeniably talented, but Earnhardt hinted at a possible shift in Larson’s focus toward dirt racing, which could derail his Cup Series trajectory. Is Earnhardt underestimating Larson’s commitment, or is he spot-on about the challenges ahead?
Earnhardt also analyzed Joey Logano, who currently boasts 37 wins. While he believes Logano will “easily” reach 50 wins, he doubts he’ll hit 60 unless he steps up his game during the regular season. “He needs to run better consistently,” Earnhardt noted. But is Logano’s current performance enough to keep him in the running, or is Earnhardt setting the bar too high?
Another driver mentioned was Brad Keselowski, with 36 wins to his name. Earnhardt was less optimistic here, suggesting Keselowski would be “lucky to see 40 wins.” Is this a fair assessment, or is Keselowski being written off too soon?
And this is the part most people miss... Earnhardt pointed out a broader trend: today’s drivers are retiring younger than their predecessors. “When I was younger, it was common to see guys racing well into their 50s,” he reflected. “Now, it feels like drivers are retiring earlier and earlier.” This shift, he argues, makes reaching 60 wins even more daunting. Is this a generational change in the sport, or are drivers simply prioritizing other aspects of life over longevity in racing?
Chase Elliott, with 21 wins, was another driver Earnhardt mentioned. Despite his talent, Earnhardt believes Elliott will retire before reaching 60 wins. Is this a bold prediction, or a realistic outlook on the demands of modern racing?
Currently, only two active drivers—Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch—have achieved 60 wins. While Hamlin, at 44, continues to dominate with six wins this year, Busch hasn’t secured a victory since the 2023 season. Does this highlight the rarity of such achievements, or is it a sign of the times?
Earnhardt’s analysis raises a bigger question: Are the days of drivers reaching 60 Cup wins behind us, or is there still room for a new generation to rise to the challenge? What do you think? Is Earnhardt’s skepticism justified, or is there a future NASCAR legend waiting in the wings? Let us know in the comments—this is a debate that’s sure to rev some engines!
