Denny Hamlin: The NASCAR Bad Boy Pleads for Dad’s Forgiveness After Bandwagon Outburst
In the high-octane world of NASCAR, few drivers can stir the pot quite like Denny Hamlin. The seasoned racer, who just clinched another victory at the World Wide Technology Raceway, has become a lightning rod for controversy, drawing both ire and admiration from fans. After stepping out of his No. 11 Toyota, Hamlin was met with a chorus of boos—a stark reminder that in the fast-paced world of racing, being a fan favorite isn’t guaranteed. But for the 44-year-old Virginia native, negativity is merely fuel for his competitive fire, and this year, it has propelled him to five Cup Series victories, securing his place in the Round of 12.
Hamlin’s latest post-race comments ignited a firestorm, leading him to beg for forgiveness from his father after a controversial quip that left many fans scratching their heads. “Y’all can boo me, but you can either get on the bandwagon, or you can get run over by it,” he boldly declared after his latest triumph. This isn’t the first time Hamlin has found himself in the hot seat; earlier this year, he infamously remarked, “Daddy, I’m sorry but I beat your favorite driver, folks,” a comment that certainly didn’t endear him to his critics.
In an intense post-race press conference, NBC Sports’ Dustin Long confronted Hamlin about whether his provocative comments would earn him a thumbs-up or a reprimand from his father. Hamlin, with a mix of humility and defiance, responded, “Yeah, you beg for forgiveness on this one, just because you just never know. Like, you never know when it’s your last. It could be my last win.” His candid admission reveals a deep-seated awareness of the finite nature of his racing career, as he strives to savor each moment behind the wheel.
“Bring ’em [boos], bring ’em all,” Hamlin proclaimed, fully embracing his role as the sport’s villain. With two decades of racing experience under his belt, the veteran driver is more than aware of the stakes, especially as he chases the elusive championship trophy that has eluded him for far too long. As he eyes the ultimate prize at Phoenix Raceway, the backdrop of an ongoing antitrust lawsuit adds a layer of complexity to his quest for glory. Remarkably, he stands just one win away from tying Kevin Harvick for the 10th most all-time Cup victories.
Despite the jeers, Hamlin remains unapologetically himself. Even as he acknowledges the strain his comments may place on his relationship with his father, he insists on doing things his way. “So happy to get this victory. My dad’s not feeling well at home, shoutout to him,” he said, showcasing the softer side of a man who thrives in the spotlight and relishes the dramatic tension that comes with it.
As Hamlin approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, he recently inked a new contract with Joe Gibbs Racing that extends through 2027—potentially his last as a full-time driver. While he shows no signs of slowing down this season, he hints at a future where retirement is on the horizon. “I’m just not going to leave this sport on my deathbed, you know, just leaking oil, running in the back of the pack. I have way too much pride for that,” he declared, solidifying his commitment to exit the sport on a high note.
Hamlin’s racing bucket list is far from empty. “I haven’t won the freaking Brickyard. I’m going to have two more shots at it,” he lamented, indicating that there are still significant milestones he wishes to achieve before hanging up his helmet for good. With his eyes set firmly on the Bill France Cup, it’s clear that Denny Hamlin is not just racing for victories; he’s racing to cement his legacy in the annals of NASCAR history. Will he achieve his goals before the checkered flag falls on his career? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Denny Hamlin is here to make waves, and he’s not afraid to ruffle a few feathers along the way.