Denny Hamlin Stands Behind Guilty JGR Ace After Kyle Busch’s Intimidation

The NASCAR community was doubtful of the Circuit of the Americas race because of the extra pavement that could have handed drivers unintentional penalties. But racers including Denny Hamlin showed up in their best form, delivering impressive performances at the first road course race of 2024. Christopher Bell battled for the lead till the finishing lap, but not before offsetting two rivals first. At first, Kyle Larson fell prey to his bumping spree and spun out on lap 22. Kyle Busch was next in line, and the rowdy driver made sure to hurl heated words at Bell. Yet Denny Hamlin backs the Phoenix winner for his track conduct.

The video of Kyle Busch marching stiffly towards Christopher Bell and offering words of warning has been going around in the NASCAR world. What struck fans was the peculiarly calm demeanor that Bell showed. It was confusing though. Some thought it was a sign of fear against Busch’s wrath. Others supported Bell for handling it so well. Bell’s JGR teammate Denny Hamlin agrees with the second lot.

Recently, Hamlin spoke about this incident in an ‘Actions Detrimental’ episode, the 43-year-old racer said, “… If I had to put blame on anyone, it’s probably Christopher Bell to dive in there that late… People were like, ‘Aww he looks terrified’… I’m like, no, that’s just Christopher Bell listening. I’ve been in those kinda interactions with Christopher Bell, and I thought he was just being very respectful and taking it…He might have a different opinion, but I think he has at least given Kyle the respect to let him vent to him face to face.”

Denny Hamlin further justified Bell’s actions on the track, while acknowledging Busch’s stance. “If you’re Kyle Busch, I understand the frustration for sure. If you’re Christopher Bell, I think he’s earned that he’s not a dirty racer. Was that a mistake? Sure, but certainly unintentional…I think Christopher Bell has been clean enough like you can be upset with him. That’s okay, but also you know it’s not intentional by any means.”

Kyle Busch has been a hothead since he first entered NASCAR in 2005. He has even had a run-in with his own team owner Richard Childress, and used to be the lead villain before Denny Hamlin. Busch also locked horns with Hamlin when they were JGR teammates. Hamlin had swerved to bounce Busch into a wall, blowing one of his tires. As usual, a heated exchange had followed.

But Kyle Busch’s run-in with a Team Penske driver seems to have been the most steamy.

Kyle Busch was furious at a Penske driver

Many drivers have ruffled Busch’s feathers on multiple occasions. But one Team Penske driver seems to have got on his nerves the most. Joey Logano infuriated Busch in 2017 so much that they threw fists at each other. In more recent events, Logano bumped Busch into the wall on lap 86 at the 2023 Busch Light Clash.

“[Joey] Logano didn’t get hit by nobody; he just flat-out drove through me,” a seething Busch noted after the race. “So, he’s got another one coming. I owe him a few.” He further said, “It’s really unfortunate to get raced by guys that are so two-faced.”

So Christopher Bell is definitely not the first in line to be at the receiving end of Kyle Busch’s rants. Considering a lot, he will not be the last one either.

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