Imagine a NASCAR legend throwing down the gauntlet: Can any driver besides Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch ever hit that magical 60-win mark in the Cup Series? It's a question that's got racing fans buzzing—and Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn't holding back his thoughts. After witnessing Hamlin's emotional 60th victory at Las Vegas (check out the full breakdown here), Junior dove deep on his podcast, the Dale Jr. Download (catch the clip around the 10-minute mark), weighing the odds for today's top talents. But here's where it gets controversial: Are we seeing the end of an era where drivers rack up those epic career totals, or is it just a sign of changing times in motorsports?
First up in Earnhardt's crosshairs is Kyle Larson, the guy he says 'absolutely could pull it off.' With 32 wins under his belt already, Larson has the speed and skill to climb that ladder. And this is the part most people miss—Earnhardt emphasizes that Larson would need to commit to a long Cup Series career to make it happen. But Larson, known for his love of dirt racing, might bail out early for off-road thrills. It's a classic dilemma: stick with the big leagues for glory, or chase adrenaline on a different track? Earnhardt isn't betting on Larson hanging around full-time long enough to hit 60.
Then there's Joey Logano, another contender in Earnhardt's eyes. He's got 37 wins to his name, and Junior believes he could easily push past 50, maybe even capping at 55. But here's the kicker—Logano needs to step up his game during the regular season to make those playoffs count and build momentum. For beginners diving into NASCAR, think of the regular season as the grind before the championship chase: it's where stars prove they can consistently dominate, not just shine in the spotlight.
Shifting gears to Brad Keselowski, who sits at 36 wins, Earnhardt pulls no punches. He doesn't see Keselowski breaking into the 60-win club; in fact, he'd be 'fortunate' to reach 40. It's a stark assessment that might ruffle feathers among fans who swear by Keselowski's aggressive style and track prowess.
And don't forget Chase Elliott, the Georgian star with 21 wins so far. Earnhardt thinks he has the talent to soar to 60, but retirement might snatch that opportunity away. Elliott's career arc could be cut short by a desire for family time or new adventures, echoing a broader trend that's sparking heated debates: Why are top drivers bowing out earlier these days?
Speaking of trends, Earnhardt points out that back in his youth, it was routine for drivers to compete well into their 50s. Now, that retirement age is creeping down, and he wonders aloud if we have any solid proof this shift is real—or if it's just perception. For context, imagine the legends of old like Richard Petty or Dale Earnhardt Sr. grinding through decades; today's stars seem to prioritize life balance over endless seasons. It's a controversial take: Are younger retirements a smart evolution, embracing health and happiness, or a missed chance to build legendary legacies? Earnhardt isn't convinced we'll see the same longevity.
Right now, Hamlin at 44 and Busch (despite his dry spell since winning in 2023) are the only active champs with 60-plus victories. Hamlin's on fire this year with six wins already, and he's closing in on his first Cup Series title—a thrilling reminder that experience can still trump youth.
What do you think, fellow fans? Is 60 wins an outdated benchmark in modern NASCAR, or should drivers fight to stay in the game longer? Do you agree with Earnhardt's picks—or would you bet on someone else to shatter that mark? Share your hot takes in the comments below; let's debate!
