NASCAR is a sport where emotions run high, and tensions often flare between drivers. But after the recent race at the Martinsville Speedway, veteran driver Kenny Wallace warned against the dangers of “badmouthing” another driver, specifically Denny Hamlin.

Kenny Wallace issues a warning against badmouthing Denny Hamlin

Kenny Wallace, who has almost 900 starts in the Cup and Xfinity Series combined, spoke out in the latest episode of The Kenny Wallace Show titled They Were Beating & Banging at Martinsville. He noted that while Hamlin has been the subject of criticism and controversy recently, he still managed to finish in fourth place at Martinsville.

“How about Denny Hamlin? Denny Hamlin finished in fourth. Actions Detrimental—I still say that Denny Hamlin is that driver. Bad mouth him all you want but I’m telling you, he’s kind of like my brother Rusty. The more crap you talk about him, the stronger he runs,” said Wallace.

Wallace compared Hamlin to the “Herminator,” referring to Hermann Maier, the legendary Austrian skier who was known for his ability to overcome setbacks and injuries and come back even stronger, saying that rough treatment and criticism only motivate them to run better. He cautioned against underestimating the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s abilities and noted that if someone wants to get him down, they should not talk to him because he thrives on that kind of negativity.

Denny Hamlin’s success at Martinsville Speedway

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For many, Martinsville Speedway is one of the most challenging racetracks in the NASCAR Cup Series circuit. Its paperclip-like shape with tight corners and long straightaways makes it difficult for drivers to maintain speed and control their vehicles. Despite the challenges, Denny Hamlin has consistently shown his prowess at this track.

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Hamlin has won five times at Martinsville, including a sweep of both races in the 2010 Cup Series season. However, his success on this track extends beyond just wins. Hamlin has a remarkable record at Martinsville with 15+ top-five finishes and several top-10 finishes in 35 starts. Hamlin’s ability to navigate the tight corners and control his car’s braking has been a key factor in his success at Martinsville. He has consistently demonstrated his skills in qualifying, earning four pole positions on this track.

Wallace’s warning comes after the recent spate of controversies in which Hamlin has found himself. He has been criticized for his actions on the track, particularly the incident involving Ross Chastain during the Cup race at the Phoenix Raceway. However, Hamlin’s recent performance at the Martinsville Speedway was impressive by any measure. Despite facing controversy and drama, he managed to finish in fourth place, a result that is even more remarkable when you consider the many challenges he faced along the way.

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