Denny Hamlin Reveals How Joe Gibbs’ Ex-Driver Resurrected ‘Quintessential NASCAR,’ While HMS Racer Pays the Price

In the Lone Star State, the heartbreak for playoff drivers Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace couldn’t have been more colossal. As the checkered flag seemed just moments away, fate played its unpredictable hand, leaving fans and drivers alike in a state of disbelief. But Denny Hamlin has a special message from reputed journalist Jeff Gluck that might help!

In the midst of the mayhem, Denny Hamlin, a NASCAR veteran, chimed in on the madness. In the latest edition of his Actions Detrimental podcast, he couldn’t help but comment on the rollercoaster ride that had unfolded before his eyes. 

Unpredictability at its finest in NASCAR

In the unpredictable world of NASCAR, fortunes can change in a heartbeat. With just 25 laps to go, former Joe Gibbs Racing driver JJ Yeley‘s car spun out, triggering a caution that would become the catalyst for an incredible turn of events. As most of the field dove into the pits for fresh rubber, Larson and Bubba Wallace took the high-stakes gamble to stay out.

During the podcast, Denny Hamlin stated, “The race was pretty straightforward. The #5 have the dominant car. Once he got out front, it looked like he was cruising, and then JJ Yeley spun out and caused a caution, and then all hell broke loose. The dominant car then gets … I saw a tweet by Jeff Gluck.” 

“I got to read it because I sent him a message when I saw it. It says ‘a JJ Yeley spin leads to a restart in which the dominant car loses his air and crashes and is now below the cut line in points as they run. What a turn of events!’ And I just texted him ‘Quintessential NASCAR.’” 

“Like that is our sport right … of like, he [Larson] had nothing to do with it. JJ Yeley spins out, and then it’s turned on its head, and by the way that’s likely how we will determine a champion as well,” Hamlin further added. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin Blames Tony Stewart for Letting Down Slowest Kevin Harvick

But that’s not all! Denny Hamlin went on to reveal some more texts that have NASCAR fandom intrigued. 

Denny Hamlin gives a peek into the past

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During a segment in the podcast, co-host Jared Allen mentioned a similar incident from two years ago, underscoring the recurring theme of unpredictability in NASCAR races. And Hamlin agreed.

The 3 times Daytona 500 champion stated, “Yeah, it’s the same thing, right? I think it was actually the 15-car same. It was at that a Phoenix that crashed when me, Martin [Truex Jr] were battling.” 

“Yeah, so he [Jeff Gluck] replied to that just saying basically is like, ‘Yeah, sorry.’ Jeff reading our text, he says, ‘well there was a time when I used to get so angry over this kind of stuff. And hate how they would want a system where the best are intentionally and not rewarded for being great, but now I’m just sadly resigned to it. It’s kind of depressing but hey, it’s entertainment.'” Hamlin stated, quoting Jeff Gluck’s texts to him.

READ MORE: Denny Hamlin Spits Out the “Toughest Job in the Industry” Involving Bubba Wallace and Partner Michael Jordan

With the Texas drama still fresh in our minds, the series now heads to Talladega Superspeedway—a track known for its unpredictability. It was here that Kyle Busch triumphed in double overtime and under caution earlier in the year, leaving Ryan Blaney and Chris Buescher trailing in his wake. With 57 lead changes among 21 drivers, Talladega promises another thrilling chapter in the NASCAR saga.