Denny Hamlin has walked a fine line between admiration and animosity more often than some of us would have liked, making him one of NASCAR’s most intriguing figures. With 54 victories under his belt, including prestigious wins like the Daytona 500, the driver of the No. 11 Toyota has cultivated a reputation that’s as complex as the races he competes in. Recently, Hamlin’s off-track antics have stirred the pot once again, this time with an unexpected allegiance to a football team.

As the NASCAR off-season unfolded, Hamlin’s exuberant support for the Buckeyes caught the eye of fans and rivals alike, igniting a firestorm of reactions. While some cheered his passionate display, others viewed it as an affront to their loyalty. The stage was set for yet another chapter in Hamlin’s controversial career, where cheers and boos blurred together in a cacophony of racing fandom. Little did he know, this choice would fuel the flames of debate among his most ardent supporters and fervent detractors, further solidifying his status as NASCAR’s favorite villain.

Denny Hamlin’s support for the wrong team hits his image

Denny Hamlin, the 44-year-old driver of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner of 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, has celebrated 54 career victories in NASCAR, including wins in the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 and Daytona 500. His recent win at the 2024 Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway placed him 12th on the all-time wins list. Known for his outspoken personality, Hamlin thrives on competitive banter, using it to engage with opponents while maintaining a confident demeanor mentally.

The NASCAR off-season has seen Denny Hamlin exuberantly support the Ohio State University football team, irking some fans further. Hamlin is a great driver, massively hated, sometimes lovingly, sometimes passionately. Often seen speaking his mind unfiltered, the NASCAR driver is now in the crosshairs again. Denny Hamlin has solidified his status as one of NASCAR’s most unpopular drivers. Fans frequently confront him at races, displaying their disdain with gestures and loud boos. By fully embracing his reputation as the villain of the sport, Hamlin has completed his transformation into a notorious figure in NASCAR.

However, it’s not the first time Hamlin has been seen soaking in the NFL vibes. Last November, he was seen by his camper fan at Neylan Stadium with his friend Charlie Wend. He was seen in the stands cheering for the Buckeyes right from the pre-match to the final whistle. And, what more? The team actually won against Indiana Hoosiers by 13 points. The university was founded some 150 years ago, in 1870, and its football team claimed its first-ever national playoff championship in 2015.

The Virginia native, however, recently admitted to not knowing the Ohio State Anthem. At a recent match, while supporting the team, producer at Dirty Mo Media industry insider Travis Rockhold panned the camera at the star to watch him sing it. Hamlin just swung his arms instead, saying he didn’t know the words.

Fans react to Hamlin’s presence at the stands

Trending

1

Richard “The King” Petty’s Iconic Memorabilia Set to Shine at Donald Trump’s Inaugural Parade

2

Amid FedEx’s Shock Exit, Denny Hamlin Rewarded With a Surprise Gift by Joe Gibbs’ Loyal Sponsor

3

Iconic Rock Band’s $65 Million Reality Check Bursts Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s ‘Hate’ Bubble

4

Daniel Suarez and Wife Offer the Wallace Couple to Relieve Them of Their Parenting Duties

5

Kyle Busch Makes an Honest Admission Behind Disheartning Chili Bowl Slip-Up

 Despite his status as a polarizing figure in NASCAR, he enjoys the noise surrounding his name, welcoming fans while remaining indifferent to criticism. His current love for Ohio State also has a mixed bag coming his way. While one fan said, “I love Denny so much more now… and I was always a fan,” another said, “Ugh. Gross.“

The match was between Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State won with a score of 14-28. One fan looked at the post shared by NASCARMAN on X and directed his disgust at the football team as well, “Just one more reason to hate FUCKING Ohio State even more.”

While it’s not clear why Hamlin supports Ohio, if there’s one thing Ohio State does better than scoring early touchdowns, it’s stacking talent for the future. The team is doing quite well at the Rose ball. However, this newfound obsession might lose him some more fans as one said, “No damnit, Denny, don’t make me change favorite drivers.” In a similar vein, another said, “Just when I thought I couldn’t dislike him any more…”

Denny Hamlin has become one of NASCAR’s most controversial figures, facing backlash for his preachy attitude and perceived double standards. His interactions with drivers like Dale Jr. and Chase Elliott have fueled resentment, while some fans appreciate his honesty. However, comments attacking Alex Bowman have alienated others. In the 2023 season, his actions, including bumping Kyle Larson for a win at Kansas, shifted public perception, and his remarks after a Bristol victory only intensified the negativity.

What are your thoughts on Denny Hamlin’s recent support for the Ohio State football team? Do you think it affects his image as a driver in NASCAR, or do you admire his willingness to embrace his controversial reputation?