The Curious Case of Denny Hamlin

It is wild the character arc that Denny Hamlin has experienced since 2020. That arc continued Sunday after winning the Highpoint.com 400 at Pocono Raceway. During a late race restart, Hamlin was battling Kyle Larson for the lead. Exiting Turn 1, Hamlin (who was on the inside) slid up the track, making contact with Larson. Larson, who attempted to maintain speed, slid up the track and missed his exit, making contact with the wall. Although Larson was able to prevent his car from wrecking, Larson’s chances at the win went up in smoke with Hamlin’s move. A caution flew shortly after the incident, allowing Larson to display his frustration with Hamlin by catching up to him and nudging him into the wall. Crew chief Chris Gabehart called Larson a “crybaby” for his actions. For the second time this year, Denny Hamlin wins by upsetting the Kyle Larson fanbase.

Sunday’s controversy is another one in an ever-growing list of on-track incidents to Denny Hamlin’s ledger. The move on Sunday closely resembled how Hamlin raced Ross Chastain last year at Pocono. In that instance, Chastain was unable to save his car from wrecking out of the event. During his postrace interview, Larson pointed out that while Chastain might have deserved that aggressive driving, he did not. As for Denny Hamlin, he demonstrated no regret for the move and believes the two did not make contact exiting the turn. Despite evidence to the contrary, it is unlikely that fans will see a change of tune from the Joe Gibbs Racing driver. As been demonstrated numerous times, Hamlin is not one for apologies.

The constant on-track controversies has seen Denny Hamlin morph from respected driver to public enemy number one. Even at his home tracks in Virginia, Hamlin is one of the most booed drivers. However, Denny Hamlin is not simply a villainous figure in NASCAR. His status is a bit more complicated due to his off-track critiques of NASCAR.

Becoming Hated

Prior to 2020, Denny Hamlin solidly sat as a respected driver by the fans. While every driver has their allegiance of fans, Hamlin’s supporters were not vast in numbers. However, there were few who outright hated the man. However, after a dominating 2020 where Hamlin found victory lane seven times, fans started to sour on Hamlin. While not doing anything outright wrong, the perception of Hamlin started to take a turn. Between 2019 and 2020, Hamlin won thirteen times. Was it simply because he won too much, especially during the pandemic racing? Maybe, but Kevin Harvick also collected wins that timeframe and he is still beloved.

Things truly took a sharp turn for the worse after the 2021 fall Martinsville race. While battling for the lead, Alex Bowman bumped and spun Hamlin. Hamlin’s race was effectively ruined, however, he still managed to point his way into the Championship Four. While many would agree Hamlin had a right to be upset about Bowman’s move, Hamlin’s response rubbed those same people the wrong way. Hamlin inserted himself into Bowman’s burnout, continually blocking Bowman from celebrating. Once he relented, Hamlin called Bowman a “hack” during his postrace interview on pit road. That incident seems to be the catalyst for the hatred Hamlin now receives.

Since the fall 2021 Martinsville race, Hamlin has been fed a steady diet of boos. From pre-race introductions to his wins, Denny Hamlin has become one of the most hated Cup Series drivers. During his postrace burnout/interview on Sunday, fans showered Hamlin with boos, chants about how he sucks, and water bottles. Normally, the Pocono fans are pro-Hamlin. Even with his actions against Larson (a fan favorite), one aggressive move should not have the crowd turn on him as badly as Pocono did today.

The Victim Card

Whether you are a Denny Hamlin fan or not, it is undeniable that Hamlin constantly plays the victim. Whenever there is an incident on track that he dislikes, Hamlin is quick to complain about it. This even applies to his teammates racing him too tough in the middle of a race. Now, every driver does this on the scanner. Not only every driver, every competitor tends to blindly view negative actions against them as unjustified. What separates Hamlin from other drivers is the lack of retrospection after the emotions settle. When Hamlin goes to do his podcast this week, does anybody expect his tune to change about what happened with Larson? If anything, Hamlin will find examples of Larson’s aggressive driving to point out his hypocrisy.

Using Sunday’s incident as example, is Denny Hamlin the bad guy if he can prove that Kyle Larson has done something similar in the past? Not necessarily. Larson has run his car up the track and caused another driver to hit the wall. As Hamlin referenced in his press conference, Larson did something similar at Las Vegas last fall. Larson drove aggressively into Turns 3 and 4, got tight, and chased his car up the track into Bubba Wallace. Wallace then hit the wall (and the rest is history).

With that said, does this necessarily justify Hamlin on Sunday? The answer is no as well. No one wants to hear “but he does it too”. Fans would rather Hamlin own up to it, either apologetically or confidently. This is not to say Hamlin has to be sorrowful for his actions, but fans would rather him brag about what he did rather than childishly point out another driver’s previous wrongdoings. Especially when Hamlin will be the first to complain about injustices done to him.

Ross Chastain v. Denny Hamlin

Some Denny Hamlin fans wonder why Ross Chastain can be popular despite his driving style, especially when Hamlin will receive flack for a move like Sunday’s. To those fans, Chastain should receive the same level of scorn from the NASCAR faithful as Hamlin does. Instead, Chastain (while polarizing) has become a popular driver. However, the key difference between Chastain and Hamlin is attitude. Chastain, whether you believe it or not, is apologetic about his aggressive driving effecting other drivers. He recognizes how his actions are wrong and makes statements claiming to be better.  While these statements usually ring hollow, the perceived humility has been enough for a lot of fans to give him the benefit of the doubt. When it happens to him, Chastain does not complain about how unfair it is. Often, he talks about how he had it coming.

On the flip side, Denny Hamlin usually quips about how the effected driver has done something similar. There is no recognition about how he could have done something different or remorse for the negative consequences. Hamlin continuously justifies his actions while actively throwing the other driver under the bus. Even when Hamlin does something that is tough to defend, Hamlin will state victimhood and explain how he was in the right. How many times have fans heard this from Hamlin?

Denny Hamlin absolutely has that right to defend his actions. It seems genuine that he feels that he usually is not in the wrong. Once again, that does not make him a bad person or driver. However, it does lend an understanding of why fans have been turning on him. Whether Hamlin is actually in the right or wrong, many people do not want to see the constant “but him” justification. Humility goes a long way into finding fan support. Even if there is a lack of humility, many would rather Hamlin own the bully mentality. If you are going to bully guys on track, have the attitude to back it up. Instead, it seems Hamlin wants to run aggressive but not see it happen to him (or his drivers). It does not work that way.

Not Simply Hated

With all that said, Denny Hamlin is not completely hated. Of course, Hamlin has his contingency of fans that will defend his actions Sunday. However, Hamlin still have some respect with the people who booed, flipped him off, and potentially threw water bottles at him Sunday. Hamlin still has a favorable opinion among the majority of NASCAR fans when it comes to his social media activity. Specifically, Hamlin’s willingness to chide NASCAR over business policies. Hamlin has not shied away from addressing NASCAR controversies or offering up ideas to develop the sport. Since becoming an owner with 23XI Racing, Hamlin’s public statements against NASCAR have increased. Usually, what Hamlin says is seen favorably among the fanbase.

As a driver, Hamlin has become the main villain of the Cup Series. As discussed last year with Ty Gibbs, every sport needs a good villain. Hamlin has filled that role exceptionally well, almost as if he is a wrestling heel. At the same time he receives the hate for his on-track incidents and rivalries, Hamlin has strong support when he talks NASCAR business. Not only his criticisms of NASCAR, but also innovative ideas that create fan buzz. For those who participated in the March Madness-esque bracket challenge earlier this season, that was Hamlin’s idea.

Hamlin usually speaks out against NASCAR usually brand of foolishness. A prime example of this is the charter system. Hamlin, who has a vested interest in this, has been vocal about NASCAR’s tomfoolery with the debate about establishing the charter system permanently. While the charter system is not the most beloved thing by fans, Hamlin’s transparency from the ownership perspective is well received. He made clear how the financial implications of losing the charter system would greatly damage teams from an asset point of view.

It is refreshing for fans since NASCAR has always controlled the narrative around these topics. Hamlin (and Brad Keselowski) have opened a window into an owner’s mindset when talking business with NASCAR. While other owners stay quiet, Hamlin speaks about the issues for the general audience. This plays well to the fanbase. It might an example of “the enemy of my enemy is my ally” mindset. However, it is intriguing to see this balance between driver and owner. The same fans who boo Hamlin on race day will be the ones liking his tweets calling NASCAR out.

Walking the Line

It would be too simple to say that Denny Hamlin is a hated man in NASCAR. Despite the negative reactions on race day, Hamlin has the respect of many fans due to his insights on the sport. The disrespect shown at the track does not remain constant away from it. Hamlin walks that odd line of admiration and hate as his career is winding to an end. As a driver, Hamlin likely has 2-3 fulltime seasons left in the tank. As his rivalries with Chastain, Bowman, and Larson continue, his favorability steadily diminishes.

Meanwhile, as a public voice of ownership, Hamlin is gaining favorability. Usually, his insights about the issues around NASCAR are well received. That level of transparency mixed with the existing distain for the organizing body has made him a go-to voice. Hamlin speaks his mind. Whether it is the charter system, NextGen car, or NASCAR business model, fans know that Hamlin will give his opinion. Fans tend to look toward Hamlin’s Twitter feed for his next NASCAR critique.

Balancing between on-track villain and off-track respected voice is fascinating. There are polarizing drivers. However, that polarization usually tends to be a split among the fans. A normal polarized driver will be due how on-track actions are perceived by the fans. The split views cause the polarization. For Denny Hamlin, his polarization is different than a split among fans based on his racing actions. Rather, Hamlin’s polarization is between Hamlin the driver and Hamlin the owner. Hamlin the driver is now universally hated. Hamlin the Twitter account is more respected and liked. The two personas should not mesh, yet they do.

How will this mesh of character continue moving forward? Based on his actions, Hamlin is going to continue driving his style and complaining his way through it. The boos will flood in at the track. If he wins the championship, the NASCAR fandom might melt. At the same time, Hamlin’s continued voice as an owner will still be well-received. Not every idea or comment will be cherished. Hamlin will always have a portion of the fanbase that will love or hate every action/comment he makes. However, the NASACR commentary from Hamlin has been the lone thing saving Hamlin from being outright despised completely.