Denny Hamlin experienced a dramatic exit from the 2025 Wurth 400 in Texas when his No. 11 Toyota caught fire before the end of the first stage, despite starting in eighth place and climbing to a top-five position. Previously successful in the season, Hamlin entered the race third in the NASCAR playoff standings, having secured wins at the Cook Out 400 and Goodyear 400, as well as a second-place finish at the Food City 500. During a caution period, Hamlin decided against pitting and subsequently heard a popping noise, which was followed by flames erupting from his vehicle, forcing him to withdraw. Known for his polarizing demeanor, Hamlin also stirred emotions by using the 'Horns Down' gesture during his introduction, a move traditionally used to antagonize University of Texas supporters. Following the incident, Hamlin set his sights on the upcoming AdventHealth 400, while his net worth reportedly stood at $65 million as of late 2024, likely bolstered by his recent racing successes and sponsorship deals.

Denny Hamlin's race at the 2025 Wurth 400 ended abruptly when his car caught fire, despite starting with promising odds and a strong position in the race. He had entered the race in third place in the NASCAR playoff standings, following a string of successful performances.

Hamlin had been performing well, having recently won the Cook Out 400 and Goodyear 400, and finishing second at the Food City 500, indicating strong momentum before the Texas race. However, this momentum was halted when mechanical issues led to his car catching fire.

During the race, after a caution, Hamlin chose not to pit and subsequently heard a popping noise. This was followed by his car catching fire, with flames visibly shooting out from the sides, reminiscent of an old school racing video game. Fortunately, he was unharmed and able to exit the vehicle safely.

Hamlin's reputation as a polarizing figure in NASCAR was further highlighted by his 'Horns Down' gesture during driver introductions, a move designed to antagonize local Texas fans and their support for the University of Texas Longhorns.

Despite the race setback, Hamlin's financial standing remained robust, with a reported net worth of $65 million at the end of 2024. His wealth is likely augmented by a new race season, sponsorships, and eight top-10 finishes so far.

After the race, Hamlin had to focus on the upcoming AdventHealth 400 as his next opportunity to regain his racing momentum. The early exit from the Wurth 400 was a disappointment given his strong start and high playoff standing.

Teddy Ricketson, a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News, reported on the event, providing insights into Hamlin's racing situation and his polarizing personality traits.

Denny Hamlin had a short but memorable outing at the 2025 Wurth 400 in Texas. His No. 11 Toyota could not finish the first stage after entering with the fourth-best odds of winning the race and starting in eighth place. 

Hamlin entered race day in third place in the 2025 NASCAR playoff standings. He won the Cook Out 400 to end March, and then the Goodyear 400 the following week to begin April. After finishing second at the Food City 500, it looked like he was driving with momentum. Unfortunately, that luck ran out at the Texas Motor Speedway on May 4.

Here's what happened to Hamlin that caused him to exit early from the 2025 Wurth 400. 

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Denny Hamlin fire

Hamlin was running well before he got knocked out of the Wurth 400. He had started in eighth place after qualifying and had risen to a top five spot. After a caution, he chose not to pit. He said that he heard something pop, but didn't know if it was his car or someone else's. It turns out it was likely his after his car caught fire.

Denny Hamlin's car caught on fire 😳

🎥: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/FOCvsGOd9e

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) May 4, 2025

The flames shot out the sides like he was hitting the turbo button in an old school racing video game. When he finally came to a stop, smoke was pouring out of the car. Hamlin wasn't injured and was able to get out of the vehicle safely, but he was forced to withdraw before the end of the first stage. 

Denny Hamlin taunts Texas fans

Hamlin is already a pretty polarizing driver. He is a track veteran and doesn't take kindly to aggressive drivers, while being aggressive himself. Despite not going to the University of Oklahoma, or any college for that matter, Hamlin decided to get under the local Texas fans' collective skin during his intro. 

While walking out during his driver introduction, he threw the 'Horns Down' to the crowd. The University of Texas is known for extending their pointer and pinky fingers, while curling the others to resemble a set of bull horns. This is to support the school's athletic programs as the Longhorns. Their rivals, namely Oklahoma, have turned the horns upside down as a dig at Texas. 

My man @dennyhamlin knows what’s up #HornsDown 🤘🏼⬇️ #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/6O9cVj73Ao

— Alex Jarvis 🏁 (@a_jar83) May 4, 2025

The local fans ended up with the last laugh after Hamlin was out of the race by the end of the first stage, having to turn his attention to the 2025 AdventHealth 400 on Sunday, May 11. 

NASCAR points standings

Here were the top-20 NASCAR points standings heading into the 2025 Wurth 400. Denny Hamlin was in third place prior to Sunday's race. 

Denny Hamlin net worth

CelebrityNetWorth has Hamlin's net worth at $65 million as of the end of 2024. That likely has increased from a new race season of sponsorships and eight top-10 finishes so far this race season.