After the dramatic conclusion of the NASCAR Playoffs at the Roval, Denny Hamlin made remarks that ignited speculation about race manipulation. Hamlin’s comments, suggesting he might have acted differently had he known the points battle between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano, caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. The focus on Denny Hamlin race manipulation stems from his indication that he would have done what was “best” for him if he had a clearer understanding of the standings.
The tension at the race’s end stemmed largely from Ross Chastain’s desperate attempt to secure a spot in the playoffs, which ultimately failed. Despite that, Hamlin appeared unbothered by the outcome, hinting instead at strategic considerations surrounding which competitor advanced.
Motorsports Reporters Dissect Hamlin’s Intentions
Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, prominent motorsports reporters with The Athletic, analyzed the unfolding drama in their coverage. The two offered differing interpretations of Hamlin’s comments and actions during the race’s closing moments.
So, let’s start with this, there is a bunch of cars with new tires that were catching Chastain, and they blew by him,
Jordan Bianchi explained on The Teardown.
The 11 was clipping off fast laps and got to the 1 and looked like they were gonna blow by them. Then the 11, I haven’t looked the time times, this is me telling you what other people said, Paul Wolfe. The 11, Hamlin, slowed down and seemed to back off from wanting to pass the 1. Okay?
And on the radio of the 22, you could hear radio transmission going, ‘He’s not going to pass him, he’s not going to pass him! This is race manipulation!’ Paul Wolfe said this after the race. I asked him about it. I said, ‘Did you think this?’ He said, ‘He obviously didn’t want to pass him. They’re scared of us. Like, literally. They do not want us to advance, they’re scared of us.’ So, the thought was, did Denny really back off to let Ross Chastain go forward because he wants Chastain to go on, not Logano?
— Jordan Bianchi, Motorsports Reporter
These observations suggested that Hamlin might have deliberately eased off to ensure Chastain’s advancement at Logano’s expense, intensifying rumors of potential race manipulation. The implication was that Hamlin’s strategy went beyond mere racing for position, hinting at deeper playoff tactics.
Exploring What Hamlin Meant by “Best” for Himself
Some analysts wondered if Hamlin’s reference to doing what was “best” for him was about qualifying metrics rather than playoff politics. The complex points scenarios and strategic choices at play left room for different interpretations of Hamlin’s remarks.
Jeff Gluck weighed in, emphasizing that Hamlin’s decision might have involved more than just helping or hindering other drivers.
Well, again, I’m a little bit murky on that because what’s also best for him, because he referenced either on TV or in the scrum interview that one of the media members posted, that he was trying to get a better qualifying metric, and that’s what he was racing so hard for,
Gluck said.
So, this costs him, see, he probably would have finished 18th, I believe. Yes, he would have finished 18th, and he finished 23rd.
So, that cost him five spots, I guess, being taken out. So, is he saying, what would have been best for him would is not being taken out and finishing five spots higher to help his cause, is that what’s best for him? Or is he saying what’s best for me is Logano not being in it. … Somebody said, well, Logano, and he said, well, the 1 has more speed than the 22.
— Jeff Gluck, Motorsports Reporter
Gluck pointed out that Hamlin’s actual finishing position, 23rd, was a setback compared to where he might have finished without the incident. This raised questions about whether Hamlin’s comments were about maximizing his own qualifying standing or about playoff rivalry strategies.
Playoff Implications Amidst Rivalries and High Stakes
The competition between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano adds complexity to Hamlin’s comments. Logano, a three-time champion with multiple recent wins at Las Vegas, is widely viewed as a strong contender heading into the next race in Phoenix. Chastain, despite possessing notable speed, faces a tougher road without Logano in the mix.
Hamlin’s suggestion that one driver has more speed than the other signals his awareness of the championship dynamics. This awareness likely influenced his strategic decisions during the race, highlighting how playoff pressure shapes drivers’ actions well beyond pure racing.
What This Means for NASCAR and Future Races
The controversy following the Roval race exposes the growing tension and complexity inherent in NASCAR’s playoff system. Comments from Hamlin and the ensuing analysis by media members elevate concerns around race manipulation, a sensitive and contentious topic in motorsports.
As the playoffs continue toward Phoenix and beyond, how drivers navigate these high-pressure situations will be critical to the championship’s outcome. Whether Hamlin’s decisions reflect calculated strategy or raise ethical questions, the debate adds drama to the season’s closing stages and draws intensified scrutiny on competitors’ tactics going forward.
