There’s no denying that NASCAR’s series sees many more heated moments on a weekly basis than any other elite motorsport. One such moment came in 2021. Martinsville‘s fall race witnessed Denny Hamlin being on the receiving end of a dramatic turn of events, courtesy of Alex Bowman. And so, Hamlin’s immediate reaction at the time was dubbing Bowman as “a hack.” Fast forward to the present. And it’s a case of tables getting turned.

This time, it’s Hamlin who’s under scrutiny from Ryan Blaney, his latest critic. Their recent encounter at the Homestead-Miami Speedway also brewed controversy as Blaney openly labeled Hamlin as a “hack.”

Denny Hamlin doesn’t understand why Ryan Blaney called him a “hack”

During Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney found themselves embroiled in a spirited on-track duel. The race, a high-stakes affair, held playoff implications for both drivers. Although Hamlin’s campaign was marred by a subsequent incident, Blaney didn’t hold back his opinions regarding the seasoned racer.

During a post-race interview, Blaney provided his perspective on the encounter. He minced no words as he recounted the contentious moments. According to Blaney, Hamlin attempted to make daring maneuvers, trying to slide his car past Blaney. However, these moves, as per Blaney’s assessment, ended in failure, culminating in an incident where Hamlin used Blaney’s car as a crutch. Blaney didn’t shy away from expressing his sentiments: “If you’re going to slide somebody, slide somebody and commit. Don’t halfway do it and use me up. What did he say? ‘Hack.’ I think he was that today.”

Upon hearing Blaney’s allegations, Denny Hamlin didn’t hesitate to provide his side of the story. During his show, when Hamlin’s co-host inquired whether it was indeed a “hack move,” Hamlin’s retort was clear and concise. He outright denied the claim, underlining the context and significance of their on-track skirmish.

Hamlin defended his actions, also emphasizing the larger picture. He pointed out that both drivers were in a fierce battle for a spot in the final four contenders for the championship. The intensity of the competition, in his view, justified their aggressive racing. In Hamlin’s words, “That’s two people racing, by the way, for the final four of a championship battle. So, it’s just interesting depending on who’s involved. I don’t understand, why are you racing Blaney so hard? What are you talking about? I am trying to get to the final four. Like, I don’t quite get it. But it doesn’t make any sense to me.”

The accusations and counterarguments stemming from the Blaney-Hamlin showdown are a testament to the high-stakes drama that unfolds on the racetrack. As the season progresses, racing enthusiasts can expect more moments that keep them on the edge of their seats.

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Aside from the on-track shenanigans, Denny Hamlin is now in a tight spot considering his championship hopes were high this season.

Has Hamlin cost himself the chance of his ever-elusive title after Homestead Miami?

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Denny Hamlin’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series has been marked by excellence, yet one elusive achievement continues to slip through his fingers—the championship. Only a few weeks ago, it appeared that this might be Hamlin’s year, with the coveted title within touching distance.

However, NASCAR has an uncanny ability to humble even the most seasoned veterans. Hamlin’s prospects took a hit after his untimely crash during the Homestead playoff race. Standing on the brink of elimination, he now faces an uphill battle. To have any hope of claiming the Cup Series championship, Hamlin requires a miraculous performance, possibly a win or even 2 in the last 2 races.

There is a glimmer of hope for Hamlin’s fans, as history has shown that he has defied the odds before. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has found himself over 15 points below the cut-line heading into the final playoff race in 2017 and 2019. On both occasions, he delivered stellar performances, finishing first and second, respectively, in Stage 1 and Stage 2.

Reflecting on his recent misfortunes, Hamlin told NBC Sports, “We tried, and it just didn’t work out. Unfortunate for this Sport Clips Toyota team. We really battled back well today – just a tough break.”

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As the season unfolds, one question looms large: Did Denny Hamlin jinx himself by boldly claiming that this year would be his year? Only time will tell, and for Hamlin and his fans, the quest for that elusive championship continues.