Championship-Less Denny Hamlin Openly Defied Joe Gibbs’ Instruction at Watkins Glen

In the high-speed realm of NASCAR, every move on the track carries significance. And decisions can make or break a driver’s standing. In the last race at Watkins Glen, Denny Hamlin found himself at the center of attention due to his audacious defiance of team orders. As the race unfolded, Hamlin’s actions revealed his relentless pursuit of a coveted championship title.

Renowned for his remarkable racing career, Denny Hamlin has left an indelible mark on NASCAR with his 50 Cup Series wins and numerous accomplishments. As one of the sport’s enduring figures, the highlights of Hamlin’s journey include three Daytona 500 victories and a tantalizingly close championship battle in 2010, where he emerged as the runner-up.

Refusing to yield: Denny Hamlin explains why he defied the instructions from Joe Gibbs

Denny Hamlin’s race at Watkins Glen showcased his determination and drive. While running second behind Hendrick Motorsports’ star driver William Byron, Hamlin’s teammate Ty Gibbs trailed closely in third. Ty Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, displayed remarkable speed, prompting a pivotal team decision. Joe Gibbs even advised Hamlin to let Gibbs pass and secure the higher position.

However, Denny Hamlin, a seasoned racer with over 600 NASCAR Cup Series races under his belt, chose a different path. Unyielding in the face of team instructions, he maintained his position, resisting the request to yield to his teammate.

This bold move not only stirred race dynamics but also raised questions about Hamlin’s motivations and the complexities of championship aspirations.

In conversation with co-host Jared on his podcast, Hamlin shed light on the scenario. He said, “Those two [Byron and McDowell] pulled away from me, and then I got my sh*t together. And I ran them back down because the #34 was holding up the #24. And then, I couldn’t do anything with them. I was just kinda riding behind them. Then here comes Ty [Gibbs]. He’s back into the picture.”

“So, just definitely, a slower car can hold up lanes. And when I re-watched the race, it looked like I was holding up lanes at some points… But damn, there’s no way I am giving up positions. I mean, I am sure from Ty Gibbs or Joe Gibbs or Heather Gibbs, they’re like, Why didn’t you just let Ty go?

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And I am like, I’ve been trying to win a championship for 18 years. In case you haven’t noticed. And I need points, you know, and it matters,” Denny Hamlin concluded.

While the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s strategic defiance added drama to the race, NASCAR’s new approach to road course racing has sparked a broader discussion within the community. However, the 23Xi Racing’s co-owner seems to be happy with NASCAR’s rule changes.

NASCAR’s cautious approach garners praise from Denny Hamlin

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The NASCAR landscape witnessed a significant shift in road course racing dynamics this season. Traditionally, cautions were utilized after each stage to spice up the competition. However, a new approach emerged, forgoing these stage cautions. This change ignited debates over its impact on racing excitement and fan engagement.

Denny Hamlin, however, praised NASCAR’s cautious approach, highlighting the governing body’s decision not to throw unnecessary cautions during road course races. Later on in his conversation with Jared, Hamlin opened up about his perspective on the new rules for road courses.

Denny mentioned, “I mentioned before the race. I mean Chris Gabehart was talking, and it was like, they ain’t gonna let it go green like they did last week. No way, Jose, they are going to… I mean, I applaud them. I think I think they ran that race in a very proper way.

He backed up his opinion by stating just how much is at stake. “There’s too much on the line, regular-season championship bubble, who’s gonna get into the playoffs? Way too much at stake for them to throw out cautions,” he added.

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As the playoffs inch ever closer, Hamlin remains a driver to watch out for, both for his racing prowess and his candid commentary on the evolving world of NASCAR. Do you support Hamlin’s outlook on the new “no stage caution” rule? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.