During the second playoff race at World Wide Technology Raceway, Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Mustang spun after contact with Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet. The collision occurred late in Stage 2 as Larson aggressively attempted to move into fifth place. Larson’s car made contact with Blaney’s left rear, causing Blaney to lose control and spin. Despite the shake-up, Blaney managed to recover and finish in fourth place. After the race, the two drivers met on pit road where Blaney made it clear he would not harbor resentment but would not forget the encounter either.
Denny Hamlin’s View on the Fan Reaction to the Incident
On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin discussed why NASCAR fans have largely refrained from criticizing Larson harshly. He suggested that much of the fan base supports Larson, which explains why fans defend him. Hamlin expressed uncertainty over the lack of media scrutiny toward Larson, agreeing that some criticism is deserved because Larson is misjudging certain race situations. However, Hamlin also acknowledged that fans and insiders often assume Larson’s mistakes are not intentional, which contributes to him receiving a pass for incidents like the one with Blaney.
I think largely because most of the fan base likes him. So you’re going to stick up for your guy, right?
—Denny Hamlin
But I guess you know in the back of your mind that surely that’s not intentional. So you give him a pass… But that certainly luckily did not alter the #12’s day as much as it could have.
—Denny Hamlin
Aftermath and Playoff Implications
Larson accepted responsibility for his aggressive move, labeling it a mistake and emphasizing that it was unintentional. Blaney remained cautious but framed the event as part of hard racing and indicated he would be watching Larson more carefully in future contests. Both drivers continue to hold strong playoff positions heading into the next race at Bristol. Despite finishing 12th at Gateway, Larson holds the largest points cushion among non-playoff winners, sitting 60 points above the cutoff line. Blaney remains safe in fifth place, 42 points clear of elimination.
Why the Incident Matters for NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
The sparing of Larson from fan backlash highlights the complex relationship between driver reputations and public perception in NASCAR. While aggressive moves can create tension among drivers and their teams, fan loyalty often influences the degree of criticism directed at popular competitors. Hamlin’s insight reveals how underlying assumptions about intent affect judgment from both fans and media. As the playoffs intensify, how these incidents affect driver dynamics and race outcomes will continue to be critical to the championship battle.
