Kevin Harvick Slams NASCAR for Forcing Denny Hamlin to Sabotage His Friend

Last Sunday’s incident involving Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, which saw the former taking home a contentious trophy, has divided the racing community. From podcasters to experts to fans, everyone has had something to share. And fellow drivers have not been quiet either. The latest among them is the Stewart-Haas Racing veteran, Kevin Harvick. Apparently, Harvick has taken a stand to defend his fellow racer, Denny Hamlin, for the final lap mishap at the Pocono Raceway.

Instead of solely blaming Hamlin for the incident with the Hendrick Motorsports ace, Harvick pointed his finger at NASCAR itself.

Kevin Harvick speaks out on the growing need for aggressive on-track maneuvers in NASCAR

The Pocono incident has been debated thoroughly within the NASCAR community. According to Kevin Harvick, the current racing landscape demands a more aggressive approach when passing, leaving drivers with limited opportunities to make their moves. As fans and drivers grapple with the ramifications of such a perspective, the tension between competition and sportsmanship is brought into focus.

During a recent interview ahead of the Cup race in Richmond, Kevin Harvick was asked about the current approach to racing. “Denny says he’s gotta be more aggressive to win,” one of the reporters asked Harvick.

Harvick responded, “I mean, it is definitely different with this particular car just because you can get away with so much more damage. You have so less damage because you’re like a battery ram. So you definitely have to be more aggressive in your passing …”

When asked, “Do you like that style? Do you like that style of having to race like that?” Harvick simply responded with, “I am retiring.”

Harvick’s statement sheds light on the changes brought about by the next-gen NASCAR cars, where the potential for damage to be absorbed allows for a more forceful style of racing. Hamlin, too, had to say a few words about why the Next Gen car necessitates a certain kind of approach during a pre-race presser in Richmond.

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Denny Hamlin reflects on whether he would have done anything differently last week at Pocono

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At this point, going into Richmond, people seem to be interested in one thing, and that’s knowing whether Hamlin thinks he was at fault. He was faced with this question again in the press conference ahead of the race at Richmond: “Would you do anything different if you had to do it all over again?”

“I mean, it’s really hard to say that you would do anything different,” Hamlin replied. “It is so split second. The win meant so much to me at that time. So many different records that we could accomplish with that one win. With the track, with Toyota, with myself personally. It’s hard to say in that moment that I would do anything different for sure. Certainly.”

He then continued about how he felt about Larson. “I didn’t like the outcome for him. I wish he could have finished second, but it was just one of those things where we flat ran out of room and I made a split-second decision to try to clear him instantly. And you can see from my onboard that I don’t see him. I see him go up the track, and I don’t know where he’s at when I start to throttle up and I am saying ”alright, I am going to clear him.’ But when I didn’t, I knew we were going to be in a bad spot.”

As the season progresses, the debate surrounding racing styles and sportsmanship in NASCAR will probably continue. It has prompted fans and drivers alike to consider the fine line between daring and dangerous. Do you agree with Harvick’s opinion of needing to be more aggressive to create more chances? Let us know in the comments.

READ MORE: NASCAR Legend Kevin Harvick Hands Out Career Advice as He Gives a Sneak Peek Into His Retirement Plan