Denny Hamlin and the NASCAR community enjoyed a love-and-hate relationship over the years. While the veteran Cup Series driver cherishes the “villain” role, his comments more than often tend to draw a reaction from the fanbase. Unsurprisingly, Hamlin once again attracted a lot of attention as he refused to act on the Bubba Wallace penalty issued by NASCAR following the Chicago incident.

Wallace came under severe criticism after door-slamming Alex Bowman last Sunday. Post the incident, fans have expressed their disappointment with how the 23XI Racing driver reacted. While NASCAR came up with a $50,000 fine for Wallace, his boss Hamlin has come up with the team’s verdict on the ruling in a controversial fashion.

Denny Hamlin explains the NASCAR fans’ role in Bubba Wallace’s $50,000 fine

Like last year, the Grant Park 165 race this past Sunday didn’t lack any entertainment. With Alex Bowman ending his 80-race winless streak, it certainly brought relief to him and Hendrick Motorsports. That said, it all changed after the post-race incident on the cool-down lap between Bowman and Bubba Wallace.

Since Wallace was guilty of knocking the #48 driver into the wall, this infuriated the fans, leading to a $50,000 fine issued by NASCAR. While the ruling body might be correct with this call, its consistency in decision-making has come under scrutiny after no action was taken involving a similar incident between Chase Elliott and Daniel Suarez. Interestingly, the duo were involved in a physical altercation.

Still, both drivers escaped any punishment, contrasting to what Bubba Wallace faced. While it is surprising to some extent, Denny Hamlin highlighted why Wallace ended up with a fine. As reported by Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass, the 23XI Racing co-owner confirmed that the team will most likely not appeal against the Wallace penalty.

Additionally, he stressed that the punishment had plenty to do since it was highlighted in the live coverage. In Hamlin’s opinion, it could have been possible for NASCAR to not react as severely if the incident surfaced at a later stage after the race. All said and done, nothing could change Wallace’s fate now. However, Hamlin’s comments about the fans’ role in the ruling enraged the NASCAR community.

Denny Hamlin suffers severe criticism from the NASCAR fandom following Bubba Wallace’s $50,000 door-slamming act

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It is no secret how Denny Hamlin enjoys the banter with the NASCAR community. With him coming clean and not challenging NASCAR for the Bubba Wallace penalty, many fans sided with him. However, his reasoning involving the fans’ influence in the punishment didn’t bode well with the fandom. In fact, some criticized him and Wallace severely on social media.

One fan pointed out how the #23 driver was furiously agitated in Chicago. He highlighted Wallace’s anger and gave Hamlin some advice. The fan said, “Get your driver some anger management classes.” Interestingly, one fan felt offended that Hamlin involved the fans in Wallace’s problems. He said, “Dude always blames the fans for his and Bubba’s self caused problems.”

Amazingly, another fan felt let down by both Wallace’s temper and Hamlin’s comments. He said, “Bubba needs help managing his temper not first altercation hes had w NASCAR. Using car like he did unacceptable! Denny saying fans caused this penalty is WRONG! Denny instigating as always!” At the same time, one fan criticized Hamlin for pointing out how the incident being caught live made a difference. He said, “Caught it live??? That’s why?? How stupid”

Interestingly, some fans even agreed with Hamlin. One said, “Exactly my issue. It’s obvious they reacted because fans reacted rather than on principle.” Indeed, it is difficult to say what would have happened if the incident come to light at a later stage. On the other hand, one fan sided with Hamlin because of a different reason.

He said, “I think that’s likely a correct assessment. Certainly more plausible than the “Nascar is out to get Bubba” narrative. I just hate how everything around Wallace becomes a morality play where he is either the villain or hero. The truth of the matter it’s not that deep.”

While there are plenty of possibilities for Bubba Wallace’s punishment, nothing can change the truth for him. What can change is how NASCAR could be more consistent with its decision-making. It is guaranteed that Denny Hamlin and the fanbase will be keenly observing the ruling body if a similar incident takes place in the near future.