Denny Hamlin Hero or Villain_ Denny Hamlin found himself once again in the curious position of celebrating amidst a chorus of boos.
The seasoned star from Joe Gibbs Racing, boasting an impressive 52 Cup Series victories, found no reprieve from the disapproval and disdain as he emerged from his No. 11 Toyota at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday.
It’s a familiar dichotomy for Hamlin: hailed as both victor and villain.
However, this time around, Hamlin opted to forgo his usual banter, refraining from his customary “I just beat your favorite driver” quip. Instead, he simply raised his index finger in a triumphant gesture, reminding everyone of his triumphant finish.
Undoubtedly, some of his detractors responded in kind, albeit with a less celebratory digit.
This peculiar dance between admiration and animosity has become par for the course for Hamlin, and it shows no signs of abating, even as he ascends the ranks of NASCAR’s all-time winners. With Hall of Famers like Lee Petty and Rusty Wallace well within his sights this season, and his tally rapidly closing in on Kyle Busch’s record, Hamlin’s success seems only to fuel the fire of resentment.
“I don’t mind it. I really don’t because it’s just noise,” remarked Hamlin. “There were many moments mid-career where there was just claps; that’s just not a needle mover one way or the other. A lot of it comes with success as well. If you are a contender each and every week, you are going to get more noise typically.”
Indeed, the clamor seems to be growing louder, and Hamlin is keenly aware of the reasons why. His clashes with NASCAR’s most beloved drivers, such as Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, have only intensified the scrutiny.
It all started seven years ago at his hometown track in Martinsville, Virginia, when a collision with Elliott knocked the latter out of championship contention. And last year, a public spat with Larson at Pocono Raceway added fuel to the fire, culminating in a resounding chorus of boos as Hamlin clinched victory.
“I have had so many altercations with so many popular drivers, and that just kind of fuels it as well,” Hamlin explained. “I’ve checked all of the boxes of the things that fans despise… When you’ve got all the things that I’ve got in that box in the negativity checked, you are just going to have to live that life.”
Actor and professional wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson offered Hamlin some sage advice at the season-opening Daytona 500: lean into the villain role, embrace it like Johnson has in his return to the WWE.
Plenty to say about that one… ⚔️
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And embrace it he did. Hamlin’s latest triumph at Bristol was nothing short of spectacular, leading 47 of the final 48 laps in a masterful display of tire management. The dominance of JGR, with Hamlin at the helm, was evident as the team collectively led 383 of 500 laps at the iconic bullring track known as “The Last Great Colosseum.”
In victory lane, Hamlin held aloft a sword, a fitting trophy for a man who finds himself in the unexpected role of the villain, even amidst his moments of triumph.
Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”)
Who does Denny Hamlin race for?
Denny Hamlin, piloting the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, boasts 52 NASCAR Cup Series victories over 17 full seasons. Among his notable wins are the Coca-Cola 600 (2022), Daytona 500 (2016, 2019, 2020), and Southern 500 (2010, 2017, 2021). Additionally, he co-owns 23XI Racing with NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Who does Ty Gibbs drive for?
Tyler Randal Gibbs, born on October 4, 2002, is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, steering the No. 54 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing.
What is the meaning of 23XI?
The team name is a fusio n of Michael Jordan’s iconic No. 23 from his NBA career and Denny Hamlin’s No. 11, which he’s driven throughout his Cup series tenure. 23XI Racing runs the Nos. 23, 45, and 50 Toyota teams, with Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Kamui Kobayashi behind the wheel, respectively.
Who is Denny married to?
Jordan Fish and Denny Hamlin, in a relationship for years and parents of two, got engaged in January 2024. Despite a public fallout in 2021, they reconciled, reaffirming their commitment to each other and their family, and are now poised to tie the knot.
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