The Quest for 60: A NASCAR Milestone in Doubt?
In the world of NASCAR, the pursuit of 60 Cup wins is a legendary feat, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. has sparked a debate with his recent comments. After witnessing Denny Hamlin's emotional 60th win, Earnhardt questions whether any driver in the current era can match this achievement. But here's where it gets controversial...
Earnhardt, a NASCAR legend himself, analyzed the prospects of several top drivers. He began by naming Kyle Larson as a potential contender, stating, "He could do it." However, he then turned his attention to Joey Logano, suggesting that he needs to perform better during the regular season to reach this milestone. Earnhardt believes Logano, with his current tally of 37 wins, will easily surpass 50 but may fall short of 60.
The conversation then shifted to Brad Keselowski, who currently has 36 wins. Earnhardt expressed doubt, saying Keselowski "will be lucky to see 40." But he quickly returned to Larson, stating that if Larson "wants to race long enough," he could achieve the 60-win mark. Larson, with 32 wins, might not stay in the Cup Series long enough due to his potential focus on dirt racing.
The Retirement Factor: A Game-Changer?
Earnhardt also mentioned Chase Elliott as a potential 60-win candidate. However, he believes Elliott, with his current 21 wins, will retire before reaching this milestone. This brings us to the heart of the matter: Earnhardt's belief that top drivers are retiring at younger ages. He points out that in the past, it was "common to see guys race beyond 50." But now, he wonders, "That number is sort of creeped down."
The Legacy of Hamlin and Busch: A Rare Breed?
Currently, only two active drivers, Hamlin and Kyle Busch, have achieved the 60-win milestone. Busch, who hasn't won a race since 2023, contrasts with Hamlin, who at 44 years old, has won six races this year and is on the cusp of his first Cup Series title. This raises the question: Are Hamlin and Busch a rare breed, or is the sport evolving in a way that makes such achievements increasingly rare?
So, what do you think? Is the 60-win milestone a thing of the past, or can a new generation of drivers rise to the challenge? Leave your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
