“It’s a Big Deal”: Denny Hamlin Sides With NASCAR Understanding the Magnitude of Frenemy Kyle Larson’s Historic Feat

Currently, the busiest driver in the NASCAR Cup garage is waiting for a grand spectacle. The motorsports star in question, Kyle Larson, is preparing for the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Ranging from pervasive media attention to tackling potential health risks, Larson has his hands full. But one pressing factor that the No. 9 Hendrick team cannot control is the inclement weather.

Severe thunderstorms and over 80% rain are predicted for Sunday in Indianapolis. So Larson’s first-ever Indy 500 lies at risk of delay, which jeopardizes his Coca-Cola 600 run. So NASCAR may have to delay the race. And guess what? Larson’s frenemy, Denny Hamlin, is okay with it, albeit with limits.

Cup rival acknowledges Kyle Larson’s great feat

The sour side of Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin’s relationship began last year in Pocono. Hamlin turned Larson on with a hard hit to the wall and snatched his lead to win the race. The HMS driver took out his frustration on Hamlin’s 23XI driver, Bubba Wallace, and Hamlin took a nonchalant approach to the race outcome.

However, their dynamic has softened over time. Especially when Kyle Larson is on a wild mission this year. Speaking to the media recently, Denny Hamlin also acknowledged how significant The Double is for motorsport: “He’s representing us and NASCAR tomorrow, so hopefully he has a great run.”

Now that the weather looks bleak and Donald Trump has confirmed his Coke 600 plans, Larson faces a rocky road of delays. Even Hamlin said NASCAR could delay the race a little if Larson gets late while admitting the magnanimity of the feat. “It’s a big deal for all…As long as it’s not too much, I’m fine with whatever.”

The media pressed him further to divulge how much would be too much. Hamlin initially observed how there are two ways to look at it. “Jeez, I don’t know. It’s hard to say because we’ve had 6-hour races…till 1 in the morning, crazy. I don’t know, I mean, we have a lot of fans here…A lot of them are probably coming to watch him. It’s just a double-edged sword of how long is too long.”

Then the JGR driver gave a number to state NASCAR’s time limit for allowing Kyle Larson, with a hilarious dig at the press. “But I would see anything past 30 minutes or something like that, kinda mess with TV…Better not make any headlines that Denny’s, ‘Anything beyond 30 mins is outrageous.’ I’m just saying I don’t know, and that would be fine.”

The delay concerns aside, Denny Hamlin expressed appreciation for his Cup rival. This comes naturally, as Kyle Larson is only the fifth driver to attempt this feat.

Hamlin is drooling over Larson’s motorsport feat

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Doing the Double is nothing short of extraordinary. Given that the Coca-Cola 600 race is as tedious as it is, Kyle Larson is also running another race in a different discipline. His predecessors were iconic as well: John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kurt Busch. Only Stewart was able to complete the ordeal, but only in his second attempt after adequate preparation.

So what Kyle Larson faces is huge, and Denny Hamlin will wear his fanboy cap only until the Indy 500 is over. He said, “I’m interested just like all you guys are, I’m a fan of his tomorrow, at least until 6 p.m., and then I’ll switch to being his rival. We’re rooting for him. Certainly, it would be hard-pressed for any of these Cup Series drivers not to be rooting for him.”

We are as excited as Denny Hamlin to watch the HMS legend put on an exhilarating performance on Sunday! Stay tuned. Drop your predictions on the double.