Kyle Larson Demands More Respect From “Rival” Denny Hamlin With Their Relationship Deteriorating With Every Race

What happens when two NASCAR heavyweights exchange blows on track? Pure unadulterated entertainment for the fans of course! Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson have had their share of tense moments in the past. Whether it was at Kansas and Pocono last year, or Gateway, Iowa, and New Hampshire this season, the two drivers tend to push each other to their limits. It was more of the same at Ally 400, with the pair making contact towards the end of the race. And who won the altercation? Joey Logano.

With their rivalry heating up and clashes between the pair becoming a frequent occurrence, Kyle Larson has asked Denny Hamlin to show some more respect going forward.

Battle of the Titans

Despite Joey Logano winning the race at Nashville Superspeedway, one of the biggest talking points was the on-track feud between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson. It all began when the Hendrick Motorsports driver ran Denny Hamlin at the end of Stage 2, prompting the 43-year-old to get back at him, only to be stopped by crew chief Chris Gabeheart. Larson then pushed Hamlin into Turn 1 on Lap 305, forcing the Joe Gibbs Racing driver into Ross Chastain. In retaliation, Hamlin bumped into Larson, with both drivers giving “an eye for an eye”.

In the post-race interview with Frontstretch, Kyle Larson was asked if there is a rivalry with Denny Hamlin. The 31-year-old replied, “I don’t know. I wouldn’t agree or disagree. It comes and goes. It feels like we race well together at times and there are times when I feel he races me, not the fairest. I’m sure he feels the same way. It’s not an ongoing rivalry but there’s definitely weeks and stretches where it compiles. Hopefully, we can move on from it soon and I can get a little bit of respect from him.”

While Denny Hamlin denies the rivalry, it’s evident that there is tension between the two drivers. At Kansas last year, Denny Hamlin bumped into Kyle Larson and secured a victory. A similar incident occurred at Pocono last July when Hamlin drove Larson into the wall and went on to secure his seventh win on the track. The pattern continued at the inaugural Cup Series race at Iowa earlier this season when Hamlin drove Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet up the track during Stage 2.

It was Kyle Larson’s turn this time around and fans could see it coming from a mile away. The 31-year-old had a year’s worth of frustration built up leading to this moment. Ultimately, it was fuel that ruined Denny Hamlin’s chances of winning the race, although the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was leading with just five laps to go. Larson’s antics could not take him far as well. And while Larson has been passive-aggressive to say the least, Hamlin is confused at the word ‘rivalry’ being attached to the duo.

Denny Hamlin shares his two cents on rivalry with Kyle Larson

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Despite their many run-ins over the years, Denny Hamlin does not consider Kyle Larson a ‘rival’. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been golf buddies with Larson and has extended the olive branch in the past, to ease the tension that happens on track.

After the incident at Pocono, he gifted Larson an exclusive pair of Jordan shoes from Michael Jordan’s prestigious golf club last year, hoping to mend fences. However, the gift wasn’t met with much enthusiasm from Larson, who said, “I appreciate the thought but I don’t know if it’s the right thing to do all the time.”

Speaking on the Actions Detrimental Podcast about his relationship with Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin said, “It’s not (a rivalry). I like Kyle and listen, just watch the race and we all do this to each other all the time. I don’t know why there’s an emphasis, is it because we’re upfront all the time? Maybe that’s it. It’s racing… get over it!”

For all their scuffles on track at Nashville Speedway, Kyle Larson finished the race in 8th place, while Denny Hamlin was 12th. As things stand, the Hendrick Motorsports driver is first in the drivers’ standings in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Denny Hamlin is third, 43 points behind. Both drivers will look to secure their fourth win of the season at Grant Park 165 on the Chicago Street Course next week.

What are your thoughts about Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin’s rivalry( if we can call it that)? Let us know in the comments!