Denny Hamlin did not make it into the finals at Phoenix, and it’s clear that he is mad. After not winning a title in about 20 years, it could get frustrating for a driver, especially considering he always got so close to victory.

In the latest episode of Denny Hamlin’s “Actions Detrimental” podcast, the NASCAR star put a spotlight on the playoff format, and it was clear he was not happy. “Look, 22 wouldn’t have gambled on fuel mileage if they knew they were racing for points,” he said, explaining the irony of how teams have learned to play the system to their advantage. He couldn’t help but throw shade on their recent championship successes, highlighting that they’ve often been mediocre during the regular season yet somehow managed to clinch titles. It’s frustrating for fans who watch drivers like Ryan Blaney finish races in the mid-teens only to see the playoffs give a last-minute lifeline to those teams.

But it’s Hamlin’s comments about fan feedback that struck a chord. He revealed an exchange he had with Mike Ford from NASCAR Communications, who dismissed the uproar over the playoff format as just “bots,” implying that the outcry wasn’t from real fans but rather some automated online chatter. Cue the collective facepalm from fans everywhere.

Denny Hamlin’s candid admission—that fans are genuinely upset—contrasts sharply with NASCAR’s apparent obliviousness. Fans quickly rallied on social media, with many chiming in to set the record straight: “Trust me, we have pulses!” they exclaimed, reacting to the absurdity of being dismissed as mere bots. It’s a clear sign that NASCAR might need to rethink how they engage with their fanbase because if they think this backlash is just digital noise, they’re seriously out of touch.

As Hamlin put it, “If you were hoping for any changes to the playoff format after all this, it tells you how seriously they take fan reaction.” And that’s the kicker—fans are feeling unheard and frustrated, while NASCAR seems stuck in a bubble, failing to grasp the true feelings swirling around the sport. The takeaway? Fans are ready for a change, and they’re not going to let NASCAR off the hook that easily.

Fans show how unhappy they are with Denny Hamlin and NASCAR

Fan reactions to Denny Hamlin’s comments and the overall NASCAR situation have been anything but subtle. It seems like everyone is feeling the heat, and the frustration is visible. One fan sarcastically commented, “Could we be out of touch? No, it’s the fans who are wrong.” It’s almost like they’re baffled by how NASCAR today seems to dismiss genuine fan’s concerns, further asking, “I’m confirmed to be a bot.” This playful sarcasm is a reflection of the absurdity many feel when NASCAR dismisses real fan opinions as mere automated responses.

Given the outcome of Martinsville, it is no surprise fans are angry, especially when it comes to the points system. Hamlin and Larson, both of whom were favorites this season and racked up wins, find themselves out of the Championship race. Fans retaliated with a wave of anger aimed at NASCAR’s decision-makers. One passionate fan expressed, “God, I hate these guys. They really need to clean house as far as NASCAR decision-making is concerned.” The sentiment here is that there’s a deep-rooted problem within the organization, and it’s hard to understand how they can misread their fanbase to such an extent.

And it doesn’t stop there. The dissatisfaction is also tied to a desire for accountability. A fan stated, “This is why I hope NASCAR gets completely trashed in the 23XI/FRM lawsuit. The France family and their brass have run the sport into the ground these past 20 years.”With Michael Jordan going up against NASCAR’s governing body, the fan wants to see the team win so that there is less corruption in the back end of the sport.

Finally, one fan didn’t hold back with a blunt, “F-cking clown.” This sums up the frustration many feel: a mix of disbelief and anger at the way things have been handled. It’s clear that NASCAR fans are not happy with the results and with Denny Hamlin’s complaint heading into Phoenix. Now with Denny Hamlin eliminated, it comes down to Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, and William Byron to decide who will be the 2024 Cup Series Champion.

Share your thoughts as to who you think will win next weekend in the comments below.