Denny Hamlin Discloses “Major Beef” With FOX After Exposing Consequences of a ‘Mishap’

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin is no stranger to controversy. The NASCAR veteran has built a reputation for being one of the most outspoken figures in NASCAR. Whether he’s calling out NASCAR, feuding with rivals, or making bold statements, he has been a polarizing figure in the garage. However, regardless of opinion, Hamlin backs up his words with performance, boasting over 50 career wins and three Daytona 500 victories.

Recently, Hamlin once again found himself at the center of attention, but this time, it wasn’t for an on-track incident or a heated rivalry. Instead, he called out FOX Sports for a blunder that, in his eyes, was a “major betrayal.” The veteran driver took issue with how the network handled his official NASCAR photos, leading to a sarcastic yet humorous rant.

Denny Hamlin’s beef with FOX

After a disappointing end of the 2024 season, Denny Hamlin made a blistering comeback in 2025. At the preseason clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the No.11 Toyota driver fought hard for the win. While he failed to win the race, a broadcasting issue left him fuming over FOX Sports. Hamlin’s complaint wasn’t about race coverage or biased reporting—it was about his haircut.

On the latest episode of Actions Detrimental, he humorously criticized FOX for using an outdated picture of him. “I thought everything was good except for I have one major, major beef with FOX. I was so excited because I was finally going to lose the buzz cut because whatever you look like on January 15th is what you look like for the entire year, right? And so, when I had that little clipper mishap last year, I had to live with a buzz cut the entire year. They haven’t changed it. Give me my hair back, FOX. I’ve got new photos,” says Hamlin on the podcast.

While Denny Hamlin’s complaint about his outdated photo was personal, FOX has faced more serious criticism regarding its NASCAR coverage. One of the most glaring examples came during The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The event, which marked the Cup Series’ return to the historic short track, was packed with energy. Fans at the track created an electric atmosphere, making it one of the loudest crowds in recent memory. However, viewers watching at home didn’t experience the same excitement.

FOX failed to capture the crowd noise properly, making the broadcast feel flat and uninspiring. Despite the passionate chants and roars from the grandstands, the audio mix left fans at home wondering if the event lacked energy. Many fans noticed the same and criticized the decline in the broadcasting quality of the sport.

Despite his frustration with FOX, Hamlin had a strong showing at Bowman Gray. The veteran driver was in contention for much of the race and briefly took the lead before finishing third. The short-track battle saw Chase Elliott dominate, leading 171 of 200 laps to secure his first Clash victory. However, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver had been on his back for most of the race. Their wheel-to-wheel battle for seven laps to take a decisive lead was one of the best moments from the exhibition race.

Notably, in the final laps of the race, Hamlin was passed by Ryan Blaney as well. The Team Penske driver has been phenomenal at the track. Despite starting from last position, he drove through the field to finish close second behind Elliott. While Hamlin didn’t win the race, his performance revealed that he was jellying well with his new crew chief, Chris Gayle. As the new season looms ahead, Hamlin would expect to continue the momentum.

Hamlin slams NASCAR’s new Provisional Rule

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Denny Hamlin didn’t stop with FOX Sports. He also slammed NASCAR for its new Open Exemption Policy (OEP) rule. NASCAR’s introduction of the OEP has sparked heated debate within the racing community. Notably, the rule guarantees select world-class drivers a spot in Cup Series races if more than 40 entries are present. While some see it as a way to attract global talent, critics argue it compromises the competitive integrity of the sport. Hamlin is among the loudest critics who did not hold back in voicing his displeasure.

“I just think it reeks of desperation. I don’t know how nice you can really say it. It just feels like NASCAR is trying to get any kind of headline to stay relevant, and I don’t love it. To me, it is a short-term gain, long-term loss. We’re supposed to be the premier stock car series in the U.S. If you want to compete here, you should earn it the natural way. Not just because you have a big name,” Hamlin told the media.

Hamlin’s comments highlight the boiling controversy around the rule. Notably, supporters of the OEP argue that bringing in international stars like Helio Castroneves boosts the sport’s visibility. However, critics believe it undermines drivers who have spent years climbing the ranks to earn their spot in Cup races. Amid these debates, the rule’s implementation at the Daytona 500 will be a major test as Castroneves will use the rule.