Denny Hamlin Reveals Dale Earnhardt Jr. Started the Fire on His Hendrick Motorsports Scandal in the Booth

Revered for its aggressive style of racing, NASCAR has been at the forefront of automobile racing since the late 1940s. Though the sport has seen necessary changes over the years, its core element still remains untouched. While last week’s race at The Tricky Triangle once again highlighted the aggressive style of racing, the community did not resonate with this idea.

Not that the fans love a touch of drama or action, but the race itself had a controversial finish when Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Denny Hamlin made contact with HMS #5 Chevy Kyle Larson. Enraged fans rebuked Hamlin’s gesture when he signaled his seventh win. The commentary booth, however, wasn’t too shocked to see the crowd’s reaction. While Jeff Burton tried to add some fuel to the fire, Hamlin gave a near-perfect Dale Jr. impression, dismissing Burton’s speculations.

Controversialist Denny Hamlin mimics the veteran after the HMS scandal

After Sunday’s race, it looked like Denny Hamlin enjoyed being in the spotlight, especially donning the villain role. While Stage 2 winner Kyle Larson took the lead towards the closing laps, seeking retribution, Hamlin put on a late rally to close the gap on the #5 Chevy.

The veteran finally caught Larson entering the infamous turn 1, getting on his inside, and leading the Chevy into the outer wall. This, however, ruined the 2021 Cup Series champ’s day as he fell from grace, dropping down from being the race leader to finish the race an awful 20th. The commentary booth saw the crowd’s reaction as SHR’s Ryan Preece brought out the final caution of the race.

With Hamlin earning his 2nd win of the season, NASCAR great Jeff Burton chimed in from the booth, trying to insinuate the crowd, and said, “I don’t believe there’s a choice,” mentioning the caution, to which Dale Jr. clarified further and exclaimed, “I don’t believe that’s what they are booing.” 

Reacting to the commentary, the race winner on his podcast mimicked Dale Jr. and expressed,, “It’s funny at the end of the race, Jeff, I guess Jeff Burton was insinuating that the crowd was booing because they threw that caution and Dale Jr. clarified real quickly, ‘Jeff I dont think that’s what they’re doing, I think they’re booing for another reason.’”

READ MORE: “Running 2nd to Me at Richmond”: Denny Hamlin Reveals Perfect Birthday Surprise for Kyle Larson Hours After HMS Superstar’s Warning

While Hamlin denied all allegations of him wrecking Larson, cleaning his hands, and coming up with fresher narratives, veteran Dale Jr. too pointed out Hamlin’s move, deeming it “dirty.”

“I’ve never ruined his results” – Kyle Larson doubles down on Hamlin

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The scene was grim for the Hendrick Motorsports driver despite acing Stage 2 and putting in a strong performance. But things quickly went South for the #5 as Hamlin looked to redeem his last year’s disqualification with a win. The veteran was so bent on the result that, in the process, Hamlin walled his close friend, Kyle Larson, into the wall, essentially ruining his race.

The 2021 Cup Series champ felt betrayed as the veteran orchestrated the exact move he pulled earlier this year at Kansas, bumping the #5 Chevy to earn his first win of the season. While Larson remained in good faith, hoping that to be the last time, Sunday’s incident really upset the driver.

In a post-race interview with Frontstretch, Larson expressed, “I got used up. It’s just unfortunate. I feel like we’ve had a handful of run-ins; I’ve never had to reach out to apologize. He’s always been the one that’s reached out to me and been like, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry. I messed up there a little bit,’ or ‘Sorry, I put you in a bad spot,’ or ‘Sorry, I hurt your day.’ I’ve never had to do that to him.”

The Hendrick Motorsports ace did not hold back, saying, “Sure, maybe there’s been times he’s been frustrated with me, but I’ve never hurt his results. I should have at least been top two; I finished 21st.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin warns Bubba Wallace to watch out amidst creeping playoff desperations 

With Larson revealing his mind and expressing his mindset heading into playoffs, things are certain to develop.