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Josh Williams (L) and Denny Hamlin (R) | Credits: Imago
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Josh Williams (L) and Denny Hamlin (R) | Credits: Imago
Josh Williams and Denny Hamlin have been in the news recently for not-so-good reasons. Hamlin was guilty of intentionally wrecking Ross Chastain at the Phoenix Raceway while Williams made a scene in Atlanta last Saturday by parking his car at the start-finish line mid-race. While both racers have received criticism, Hamlin was lauded by fans for the gesture he showed towards Williams recently.
Denny Hamlin is one of the most popular names in the Cup Series circuit. Having said that, he often finds himself in the midst of controversies, which have more to do with his off-the-track antics. Last year, he was criticized badly when his attempt to banter with Kyle Larson backfired badly. However, his recent gesture has surely earned him the fans’ respect, which for him was too good to be true.
Hamlin was shocked after his incredible gesture toward Williams garnered positive reactions
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What happened with Williams in Atlanta was nothing short of drama. During the Xfinity Series race last Saturday, the 29-year-old parked his car at the start-finish line, disobeying NASCAR’s directive to return to the garage following a caution. Obviously, he was well aware of the consequences and knew a fine was coming.
READ MORE – Dale Earnhardt Jr Goes Against NASCAR Fan Sentiment & Slams Josh Williams – “Total Kenny Powers Move”
While returning to the pit road, Williams was furious and frustrated with the decision. On his way back, he exclaimed about not having the money to pay any fine that might be coming his way. This incident saw him attract a number of reactions, one of which came from Denny Hamlin. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver tweeted, “I’ll pay your fine.”
I’ll pay your fine.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 18, 2023
Hamlin himself is facing a $50,000 fine from NASCAR, so it took many people by surprise to see him show this kind of a gesture. Speaking on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Williams discussed the incident in detail.
While he was grateful for the offer, he explained how the fans’ reactions took Hamlin by surprise. He said, “It was funny like if you look at the comments under it. People were like, ‘Denny I didn’t like you before but I am a fan of you now,’ and you know, he’s like, ‘What?'”
Surely, it was overwhelming for Hamlin. There were some really heartwarming comments from the fans for the 23XI Racing co-owner.
Fans shower Denny Hamlin with love after his noble offer to Josh Williams
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It is not every day that a Cup Series driver publicly comes in monetary support of an Xfinity Series driver. Yet, Hamlin did it for Williams and it surely won a lot of hearts.
The 42-year-old’s reply to Williams’ tweet earned a number of positive reactions. It saw a number of people change their views on Hamlin.
I was not a Denny Hamlin fan until today
— Don Carty (@DC_outdoors_) March 18, 2023
Very rare moment where every NASCAR fan is with Denny
— Leif Opstad (@Leif__Opstad) March 18, 2023
Wow all the shit I’ve talked on @dennyhamlin this one single tweet has made me respect you.
— Phishead9 (@phishead942) March 18, 2023
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@dennyhamlin you just gained a fan in me sir.
— Kurt Muller (@KurtMuller20) March 18, 2023
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Credit where it’s due—Hamlin does deserve all the love for showing the intent itself. On the other hand, it is to be seen what happens with his appeal against the penalty imposed on him.
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