Denny Hamlin trolled by Ty Dillon after the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway, sparking debate across NASCAR fans and commentary from Dale Earnhardt Jr., who praised the moment as “clever entertainment.” The lighthearted yet pointed jab followed Hamlin’s crash in a massive wreck and Ty Dillon’s surprising season-best finish in Atlanta.
Ty Dillon’s On-Track Performance and Memorable Quip
Following Saturday’s race, Ty Dillon caught attention when he openly referenced Denny Hamlin with a playful remark. Dillon said,
“For all you Denny fans out there, I just knocked your favorite driver out,”
—a direct riff on Hamlin’s well-known victory celebration phrase. While Hamlin took the jab gracefully, the reaction among other fans and observers varied, with some finding humor in the exchange and others considering it too sharp.
Dillon’s words came after outperforming Hamlin, who had been involved in a 23-car crash that effectively ended his hopes for the day. By contrast, Dillon secured an impressive eighth place, marking his best season finish so far and affirming his underdog reputation during the event at Atlanta.
Reactions from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the NASCAR Community
Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered perspective on Ty Dillon’s public dig while discussing the incident on his podcast. Earnhardt commented,
“I thought it was a clever comment by Ty Dillon,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Analyst/Former Driver. He elaborated further, highlighting the role of the In-Season Challenge and Dillon’s status as an underdog all week.
“I think that Ty Dillon, you see, that’s what, we’ve got to thank this bracket challenge for those little kind of moments. Because Ty Dillon has been the underdog for the entire week, right? Every team meeting they’ve been in, every conversation he’s had with his wife or his grandfather or whatever, right?”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Analyst/Former Driver.
Earnhardt explained that Dillon’s quip may have been premeditated, noting,
“That quote that he gave us was probably given to him mid-week in conversation,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Analyst/Former Driver.
“Right? I bet you, oh yeah, I bet you his crew chief, car chief, somebody said something to him and said, ‘Hey man, you ought to say such and such when you knock him out of the bracket.’ And he’s like, ‘Perfect, file that away.’ Gets out of the car… ‘blah.’ But that doesn’t happen if he doesn’t know that he’s in this bracket challenge and the bracket challenge doesn’t exist.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Analyst/Former Driver.
The Bracket Challenge and Fan Reactions
The NASCAR In-Season Bracket Challenge formed the backdrop for Dillon’s taunt. Earnhardt emphasized that the format introduces small but memorable moments for fans and drivers. According to him,
“(Otherwise) we don’t get to give the Denny bros some sh*t,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Analyst/Former Driver,
“and we don’t get to watch Denny bros lose their minds on social media.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Analyst/Former Driver.
This rapid, emotionally charged interaction underscores how format changes and new race elements can drive fan passion, especially when popular drivers like Denny Hamlin are involved.
Looking Ahead After the Atlanta Showdown
As NASCAR progresses through the season, moments like Ty Dillon’s pointed comment toward Denny Hamlin inject fresh excitement into the competition. The bracket challenge, surprise performances, and lively social media conduct are helping make the sport compelling for both longtime and new fans. With strong personalities, underdog tales, and continued shifts in race structure, more headline-grabbing moments are likely on the horizon for NASCAR as the championship chase heats up.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin began racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has become a well-known driver in NASCAR. Hamlin has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed three Daytona 500 wins in 2016, 2019, and 2020. Over his career, he has also made millions of dollars.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a large fortune of $65 million from his racing career, endorsements, owning a team, and buying real estate.
He made most of his money through NASCAR race prizes and contracts. He also earned long-term sponsorships with companies such as FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
