Denny Hamlin Warns NASCAR Against Detrimental Effect of “Last Legacy Guy” Leaving After Jeff Gordon & Tony Stewart

NASCAR is no stranger to the inevitable changes brought about by time. It’s a sport where legends are made, and legacies are built. However, over the years, the sport has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous racing icons. But what happens when the torchbearers of the sport, the “Last Legacy guy,” decide to retire, leaving a void that seems impossible to fill?

Denny Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most prominent figures, recently shared his concerns about the impending departure of one such legend, who is set to bid farewell to the sport. As NASCAR braces itself for another seismic shift in star power, Hamlin‘s words echo the sentiment of fans and racers alike.

Denny Hamlin believes Kevin Harvick’s departure from the sport will be similar to those of Gordon and Stewart

NASCAR has a rich history of drivers who have left an indelible mark on the sport. The departure of Jeff Gordon in 2015 and the retirement of Tony Stewart after the 2016 season left a void that seemed impossible to fill. These legendary drivers were not just known for their championships and victories, but also for the influence they had on NASCAR’s growth and popularity.

Jeff Gordon, often referred to as the “Rainbow Warrior,” played a pivotal role in NASCAR’s ascent to prominence. His charisma and racing prowess drew in record crowds and high television ratings. Gordon’s influence extended well beyond the racetrack. He helped NASCAR expand its reach throughout the United States. However, his departure marked the end of an era, leaving an undeniable gap in the sport.

Similarly, Tony Stewart, with his unique charisma and racing talent, was a fan favorite. Known as “Smoke,” he brought an edgy, captivating personality to the track, ensuring races were always exciting.

Now, it’s Kevin Harvick‘s turn to bid farewell to the sport. With just three races left in his career, his departure raises the question of who will fill the void left by the legendary driver. While talents like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Christopher Bell have been touted as potential successors, the challenge remains substantial. Current champions like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano continue to race competitively. But they may not possess the same magnetism and fan appeal that Gordon, Stewart, or Harvick brought to NASCAR.

Heading into the second race in the Round of 8 at the Homestead Miami Speedway, Denny Hamlin shared his perspective on the Stewart Haas Racing driver’s impact and legacy. Hamlin, while acknowledging that Harvick has been a strong and influential presence, likened him to Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. Hamlin stressed that Harvick is the last of the legacy figures who understand how NASCAR used to be.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver noted, “Well, I certainly think [Harvick] is very calculated. You know, he likes to be in control, that’s for sure. I think that I really like his style and in the sense of how he leads. And I believe that he’s, you know, he’s a very important person in the sport. I mean, in my opinion, he’s, you know, Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart. When he leaves, you’re going to notice that he’s not there anymore. So I think that he [has] certainly been a leader in the sport and he’s kind of the last real Legacy guy that we’ve got in our sport that used to know how it used to be like.”

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Amid discussions about the legacy figures in NASCAR, Denny Hamlin also took a moment to address a recent statement by Jeff Gordon.

Hamlin claims fans will always gravitate toward the driver’s star power rather than the teams’

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The star power of drivers has traditionally been the driving force behind the sport’s popularity. Fans have always resonated with the racers, building strong emotional connections with their favorite drivers. While teams play a crucial role, it’s the exploits of individual drivers, both on and off the track, that have propelled NASCAR to its current status.

However, former NASCAR driver and iconic figure Jeff Gordon recently offered a divisive take on the sport. He suggested that teams should focus on investing in themselves as a collective entity rather than placing excessive emphasis on building the star power of their drivers. While Gordon acknowledged that star power has been a primary driver of the sport, his comments raised eyebrows.

Denny Hamlin openly disagreed with Jeff Gordon’s perspective. During the press conference, Hamlin addressed Gordon’s comments, saying, “If he’s wanting fans to resonate with the teams more than the drivers, good luck. I don’t think that’ll happen. Our fans really latch onto a driver; it’s always been that way.”

In Hamlin’s view, drivers are the stars of the show, and their personalities and on-track performances are what fans connect with. “There’ll generally be fans of the bigger teams, but there’s not that many there and it’s just different. It’ll be tough to make that happen and what campaign to do so, I’m not sure. The drivers are the stars and that’s where our fans resonate to.”

Hamlin’s rebuttal to Gordon’s comments underscores the enduring nature of this dynamic in the sport. Despite the evolving landscape of NASCAR, the drivers remain the focal point, the heroes of the race, and the catalysts for fan engagement.

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