DAYTONA BEACH — Denny Hamlin has driven without fear, doubt or hesitation for more than two decades, especially at Daytona International Speedway. But the cocksure NASCAR star arrived at the storied track still shaken, a bit unsure and curious how he would respond to the emotions of recent months. Hamlin will seek his fourth Daytona 500 victory Sunday with fire in his belly and a heavy heart after losing both his championship bid and his ailing father within two months to close 2025. Amid the professional and personal turmoil, Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team — which he co-owns with Michael Jordan — also settled an antitrust lawsuit with NASCAR. Add continued recovery from 2023 shoulder surgery,...
