NASCAR’s newest villain has burst onto the scene, embracing his nefarious persona with gusto. The seeds of this villainous era were sown earlier this year, during dramatic showdowns at Pocono and Charlotte. Denny Hamlin, a polarizing figure in the community, engaged in an on-track tango that left NASCAR’s poster boys, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, fuming. The clashes didn’t just ruffle feathers; they ignited a fiery rivalry. Hamlin’s audacious moves, bold statements, and unfazed attitude have catapulted him into the role of the sport’s latest antihero. Last weekend’s antics only served to highlight his commitment to this newfound persona and willingness to stir the pot to inject a fresh dose of drama into the paddock.
Amidst his usual shenanigans, Hamlin’s latest antics have thrust him into the spotlight adding fuel to the recurring speculation about a manufacturer. Whispers about this entrant in the world of stock car racing have been persistent and they have been no strangers to the sport.
Denny Hamlin ditching his trusty Toyota?
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Last weekend, the NASCAR world descended upon Bristol, where the iconic speedway bore witness to a remarkable performance by Joe Gibbs Racing‘s star driver. He swept the Bristol oval, securing his 51st career win, and the backdrop of boos from the crowd was an all-too-familiar scene. As the calendar turns, the next destination is the Lone Star State, Texas.
In Texas, the odds appear to be in favor of Hamlin. His No. 11 Toyota Camry has tasted the sweet nectar of champagne three times at the Texas Motor Speedway. The Gibbs banner, with Hamlin behind the wheel of the Toyota, seems destined for glory as they navigate the challenges of each race and lap in their quest for the elusive championship.
While the Hamlin and Toyota partnership appears smooth sailing on track, we mustn’t forget the turbulent waters they navigated off-track earlier this season. Their nearly two-decade-long partnership hung in the balance until recently when Hamlin put pen to paper on a multi-year contract, solidifying his continued partnership with Toyota.
Read more: Denny Hamlin Backs NASCAR’s Latest Announcement Despite Dire Financial Consequences to Teams
While that chapter was firmly closed, a new story began to unfold. Recently, Hamlin was spotted on the streets of Texas, near a Drake concert, not in his trusty Toyota, but behind the wheel of a Cadillac. The sight sent the crowd into a frenzy. Cadillac, with its nostalgic NASCAR history, conjures memories of a bygone era. Although the manufacturer has sporadically graced high-speed ovals, speculation about their return to the sport has always simmered. Hamlin’s unexpected Cadillac ride only adds fuel to these speculations, and fans didn’t hesitate to voice their remarks.
NASCAR fans unleash a torrent of comments and speculations
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In typical NASCAR fashion, fans didn’t hold back in their comments and speculation, with the buzz extending wider than an orca whale’s reach in the vast ocean of online chatter.
“Oh, s**t guys. Drake curse. Pull him from your fantasy lives,” exclaimed one fan, invoking the notorious “Drake curse” that previously plagued sports like basketball, MMA, soccer, and tennis. Speculation runs rampant that now NASCAR has fallen prey to the Drake curse, and Hamlin may face a streak of bad luck.
Another fan chimed in, saying, “Drake’s curse is gonna cause Denny’s pit crew to choke again, isn’t it?” highlighting the superstition surrounding the Toronto rapper’s influence.
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Amid the frenzy, one enthusiast exclaimed, “CADILLAC JOINING NASCAR CONFIRMED,” sparking excitement about the manufacturer’s possible return to the sport. A fan even dreamed about the potential impact, stating, “Having NASCAR versions of Cadillac Blackwings would kick so much a**.”
Others expressed surprise, with comments like “Is that a Cadillac??” and humorous speculations about Toyota’s reaction, stating, “Wait…he is in a Cadillac…Toyota ain’t gonna be happy.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin Ashamed By Nascars Broken HoF As Jimmie Johnson Suffers Jeff Gordon Disgrace
While the NASCAR scene has been ablaze with relentless speculations, amidst it all, all eyes are fixed on the 1.5-mile speedway this weekend to witness what new shenanigans unfold and find out if the multi-Grammy award winner is truly to blame or simply a convenient scapegoat.