Denham’s Dream Come True: Division 4 Champion Heads to Vegas

For Jimmy Denham, this year’s NHRA Summit ET Division 4 Finals win was more than just a race victory — it was the realization of a lifelong dream over two and a half decades in the making.

“I started going to Bracket Finals in 1999, and I haven’t missed a year since. In 26 years of going to this race, I’d only made it to the semi once. It’s been my dream to win this race since I started racing. Every year I would think, this is my year to go to Pomona. Then a few years back, they moved it to Vegas, and I thought, hey, that would be awesome — and a little closer drive. Now that I’ve finally won — and the bonus part, I did it on my birthday — it’s God’s will. Everything we accomplish in life is because of Him. I’m very blessed to have the chance to travel and enjoy racing. When that win light came on, I was literally in tears at the ET shack. The emotions were overwhelming — better than any race I’ve ever won in my career.”

Denham expressed deep gratitude for the people who have supported him along the way:

“I’d like to thank the good Lord for all the blessings He gives me, my wife and kids for all their support, and my cousin Vic Penrod for teaching me over the years and building the best motor anyone could have — Kingpen Racing Services. I dedicate this win to my dad, Jim Denham, who would’ve been right there beside me cheering me on, and to my good friend Butch Brown, one of my biggest fans. I also want to remember Potat Thibodaux and Soody Olinde — friends I met over 20 years ago at the Finals. We always cooked together and listened to music, and I know they would’ve been just as excited as I was for this win. Lastly, thank you to Jeremy and Carly Casey for cheering me on and celebrating with me in the winner’s circle.”

After 26 years of persistence, Jimmy’s long-awaited moment finally arrived — and it couldn’t have been scripted any better.

✨ Join us in wishing Jimmy Denham the best of luck as he represents the South Central Division 4 in Las Vegas at the NHRA Summit Racing Series World Championship! 🏆