Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in NASCAR, recently pushed back against claims made by former NASCAR CEO Brian France regarding a controversial fine. The dispute centers on a $25,000 penalty Hamlin received in 2013 after the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, involving criticism he made about the Gen 6 cars. Hamlin also challenged France’s assertion that other drivers supported the fine, denying any such backing.
Background on the Fine and the Disagreement
In 2013, following the Subway Fresh Fit 500, Hamlin was fined $25,000 for comments deemed derogatory by NASCAR officials. Brian France, then NASCAR’s CEO, stated that the decision had widespread support among drivers on the circuit, emphasizing that drivers were permitted to voice strong opinions as long as they “respected the line.” France told USA Today,
“I can’t tell you how many drivers came up to me after the Denny Hamlin comment and said, ‘You’ve got to do that or we won’t be able to help ourselves from time to time. I’m glad you did that. They all know the line.”
“They all know exactly where it is, because we talk about it. I talk about it directly with every one of the drivers, every one of the owners. No disputing that,” Brian France said, via USA Today.
Despite this, Hamlin rejected the idea that his fellow competitors supported the fine. Speaking through his social media platform X, he expressed frustration that the penalty was issued without any prior discussion with him, suggesting a lack of fairness. He implied the treatment might have differed compared to other established drivers who faced similar situations.
Details of Hamlin’s Criticism That Led to the Penalty
Hamlin’s comments centered on his dissatisfaction with the Gen 6 car, which replaced the Gen 5 model. After finishing third at Phoenix, he compared the two generations critically, claiming the newer car did not race as well. Hamlin said, according to Yahoo Sports,
“I don’t want to be the pessimist, but it did not race as good as our Generation 5 cars. This is more like what Generation 5 was at the beginning. The teams hadn’t figured out how to get the aero balance right. Right now, you just run single-file, and you cannot get around the guy in front of you.”
“You would have placed me in 20th-place with 30 laps to go, I would have stayed there — I wouldn’t have moved up. It’s just one of those things where track position is everything.” Denny Hamlin said, via Yahoo Sports.
Hamlin’s remarks highlighted his belief that the Gen 6 cars hindered competitive racing by forcing drivers into single-file running, limiting overtaking opportunities. This criticism struck a nerve with NASCAR officials, who viewed the comments as crossing a line.
Hamlin’s 2013 Season Performance and the Broader Context
During the 2013 season, Hamlin competed as part of Joe Gibbs Racing and ended the year 23rd in the standings. His record included one victory, four top-five finishes, and eight top-ten finishes overall. The fine and subsequent dispute with NASCAR’s leadership underscored tensions between drivers and the sport’s governing body regarding vehicle performance and public criticisms.
The conflicting perspectives between Hamlin and Brian France reveal ongoing challenges in balancing driver feedback and NASCAR’s control over its image. Hamlin’s refusal to accept the fine quietly and his denial of driver agreement highlight the pressures drivers face when expressing controversial opinions.
Implications and What to Expect Moving Forward
This dispute remains significant as it touches on how NASCAR manages dissent among its competitors, especially when criticisms involve the technical aspects of the sport. Hamlin’s stance may encourage other drivers to speak out, while NASCAR leadership might respond by refining how penalties and communications are handled in the future.
With Hamlin continuing his career as a team driver who is unafraid to voice concerns, the controversy over the NASCAR fine demonstrates an ongoing negotiation of respect, readiness to criticize, and the limits of public speech within motorsports.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Starting his full-time Cup Series career in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved remarkable success. He has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed three Daytona 500 victories in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Also, he’s earned millions throughout his racing journey.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is engaged to Jordan Fish. As a child, she loved dancing and eventually danced for the NBA team, the Charlotte Bobcats, now the Charlotte Hornets. She met Hamlin during a performance at one of their games.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has a net worth of about $65 million. This comes from his racing career, endorsement deals, owning a racing team, and smart real estate investments. Whether racing or managing a team, Hamlin continues to excel both on and off the track.
Q. What happened between Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish?
A. After some initial problems and the chaotic social media activity in 2021, Fish and Hamlin got back together soon after and have been content ever since.
