“He Learned So Much From His Dad” – Denny Hamlin Ranks Dale Earnhardt Jr High in Lesser-Talked-About NASCAR List

It is no secret how unfiltered Denny Hamlin can be given the right platform. He drove NASCAR fans crazy when he announced his new podcast in association with Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Dirty Mo Media earlier this year. So far, the podcast has received a great response. With two episodes out already, the fans have already come across some interesting content.

Denny Hamlin might be a controversial figure but there is no denying his talents on the track. Apart from 48 wins in the Cup Series, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has 17 Xfinity Series and two Truck Series wins to his name. Additionally, he ended runner-up to Jimmie Johnson in 2010 in the Cup Series despite winning the most races (8) that year. Hamlin has faced some stellar drivers in his career. He recently spoke highly of Dale Jr in his podcast.

Denny Hamlin rates Dale Earnhardt Jr among the top racers

23XI Racing co-owner was recently asked on his podcast to rank the top three superspeedway drivers he has raced against. The three-time Daytona 500 winner said, “Dale Jr. That’s an easy one. I think no one’s going to leave him off the list of the top Superspeedway racers of the last 20–30 years. He learned so much from his Dad. I know that’s so cliche but you watched Dale was so far ahead of his time.

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“When you go back and watch the superspeedway racers, the way he used the car behind him to go forward, the car beside him to go forward. Dale Jr did that even before the field started catching on even decades later.”

Hamlin isn’t wrong in this case. Dale Jr had his expertise when it came to restrictor plate racing. Out of his 26 victories, ten came at Daytona and Talladega. This is definitely a skill he inherited from his late father.

Hamlin admired Dale Jr’s 2001 Daytona win

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This is not the first time that Denny Hamlin has spoken highly of Dale Jr. 2001 was probably the toughest year for the latter when he lost his father in one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies to ever befall on a NASCAR track.

The 2001 Pepsi 400 was the first race for Dale Jr post his father’s tragic death. In fact, it was the very track that took the NASCAR legend’s life. Despite the emotional challenges, Dale defied all expectations and won the race. Denny Hamlin tweeted in 2021 in appreciation of the former Hendrick Motorsports driver.

Denny Hamlin has seen some tremendous drivers in his long NASCAR career. His recent appreciation would surely mean a great deal to Junior. Let’s see if the 2014 Daytona 500 winner responds to the praise in the coming days.

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