Denny Hamlin recently addressed an Instagram fan’s mistaken assumption linking him to Joey Logano after a photo showed Hamlin wearing a basketball jersey with the number 22, which is Logano’s car number in the NASCAR Cup Series. The exchange included a viral throwback clip from their tense 2019 post-race interaction at Martinsville, highlighting the ongoing competitive relationship between the two drivers.
Hamlin quickly responded to the fan tagging him with a screenshot from an October 2019 interview following a heated encounter with Logano at Martinsville Speedway. During that race, the two drivers had a physical altercation that escalated into pushing and shoving. In the interview, Hamlin famously mimicked Logano’s voice, saying, “That’s just short track racin!” This moment became a well-known meme within <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR circles, which Hamlin resurrected to clarify his stance toward Logano.
Currently, both Hamlin and Logano are deep into the 2025 season, marking their 24th and 23rd starts respectively, as Hamlin missed the June 15 race in Mexico City. Hamlin’s absence came shortly after the birth of his third child, prompting him to stay home with his fiancée and daughters, Taylor and Molly. NASCAR granted him a playoff waiver due to medical reasons related to his family situation.
On the track, Hamlin’s 2025 campaign continues to impress. He has claimed four wins so far and is rapidly approaching a career milestone of 60 victories. With 11 top-five finishes, 12 top-10s, and 719 points, Hamlin sits fourth in the championship standings, underscoring his strong performance this season.
Hamlin Critiques Carson Hocevar’s Racing Behavior as Detrimental to Results
Denny Hamlin commented on Carson Hocevar’s conduct following a clash with Zane Smith at Iowa Speedway during the latest race weekend. On Lap 229, Hocevar got loose behind Smith, causing a collision that forced Smith’s No. 38 Mustang against the outside wall and dropped him several positions. Hocevar, while managing a top-10 finish, showed little remorse.
After the incident, Hocevar posted a defiant image on Instagram dismissing the collision and his crew chief, Ryan Bergenty, seemed similarly unbothered. Addressing this attitude, Hamlin said,
“It seems like Carson’s definitely brushing it off as if to say ‘tough luck, buddy’, right? That’s a tough way to live. Toughest way to go about this…..it hurts you in the long run. If that’s the attitude you want to have, it’s good for social media. It’s bad for on-track results.” —Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
Hocevar has yet to secure his first victory in the 2025 season or in his overall Cup Series career. The promising sophomore is set to compete next at the Go Bowling at The Glen race, scheduled for Sunday, August 10, at Watkins Glen International.
Ongoing Rivalries and Challenges Shape the 2025 NASCAR Season
The competitive tension between drivers like Hamlin, Logano, Hocevar, and Smith contributes to a high-stakes environment on the NASCAR circuit. Hamlin’s use of a popular meme from his rivalry with Logano serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and moments that shape the sport. Meanwhile, his criticism of Hocevar’s dismissive approach reflects concerns about sportsmanship and strategy affecting performance.
As the season progresses, these interactions highlight the pressure drivers face to balance aggressive racing with maintaining respect on and off the track. With key races ahead, including Watkins Glen, observers expect these storylines to evolve further, influencing the championship chase and driver reputations.
