Few names in NASCAR history command more respect than Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr., especially when it comes to superspeedway racing. From The Intimidator’s legendary 2000 Talladega charge from 18th to first in four laps to Dale Jr.’s dominance at Daytona, the Earnhardt legacy is cemented in restrictor-plate history.
So when Denny Hamlin took to his “Actions Detrimental” podcast and made the jaw-dropping claim that:
“Dale Jr. and Dale Earnhardt would have never survived in today’s superspeedway racing.”
The NASCAR world erupted in outrage.
Did Hamlin Just Cross the Line? Or Is He Making a Fair Point?
At first glance, Hamlin’s words seem like an attack on two of NASCAR’s greatest superspeedway racers. After all, Dale Sr. had 13 superspeedway wins, and Dale Jr. had 10, making them two of the most successful drafting drivers in history.
But Hamlin wasn’t questioning their skill—he was criticizing how modern superspeedway racing has changed.
Why Hamlin Thinks the Earnhardts Would Struggle Today
Hamlin later clarified his statement after the internet torched him for what seemed like disrespect.
🗣️ Denny Hamlin on X:
“I’m basically saying they would HATE today’s style of drafting and would not be as successful as they were.”
His argument? Modern superspeedway racing is nothing like what the Earnhardts thrived in.
🚨 Fuel-Saving Mentality: Today’s drivers run at reduced speeds for the first two-thirds of a superspeedway race to save fuel and avoid wrecks. Dale Sr. and Jr. raced aggressively from start to finish—a style that wouldn’t work in today’s fuel-conscious strategy.
🚨 OEM (Manufacturer) Control: In the Earnhardt era, drivers drafted with whoever helped them get to the front—Chevy, Ford, or Toyota, it didn’t matter. But today, manufacturers demand loyalty. OEMs want Chevy drivers to push Chevy drivers, Toyota to help Toyota, and Ford to stick together.
- Just look at Parker Retzlaff’s Daytona controversy, where he helped a Ford driver (Harrison Burton) instead of a Chevy teammate (Kyle Busch)—and got criticized for it.
🚨 No More True Tandem Drafting: The tandem-drafting days ended in 2014 after Kyle Larson’s terrifying crash. Dale Jr. was one of the best at two-car pushing—but today, it’s almost impossible to pull off legally.
In short, Hamlin believes the Earnhardts’ aggressive, all-out drafting style simply wouldn’t work in today’s rigid, manufacturer-controlled, fuel-saving era.
Fans Clash Over Hamlin’s Comments
Naturally, Earnhardt fans didn’t take Hamlin’s words well.
🔥 Fan Backlash:
“Jesus, Hamlin is either ridiculously stupid or has severe memory loss. Jr’s best drafting partner was Stewart, who raced for JGR. Jr. didn’t care who he raced with if it meant getting to the front.”
But some fans saw Hamlin’s point:
🔥 Fan Defense of Hamlin:
“That is his point… he is saying that the way Jr. drafted doesn’t exist anymore.”
Hamlin, relieved, responded simply:
“Exactly.”
Even Dale Jr. Has Criticized Modern NASCAR Racing
Interestingly, Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself has voiced frustrations about NASCAR’s current racing style. After watching the Bowman Gray Clash, Junior wasn’t impressed, signaling he, too, has issues with modern NASCAR racing philosophy.
So, while Hamlin’s words may have been poorly phrased, his critique of today’s superspeedway racing isn’t entirely wrong.
Final Verdict: Disrespect or Reality Check?
🔎 Was Hamlin being disrespectful?
👉 No, but his phrasing was bound to stir controversy.
🔎 Was Hamlin telling the truth about modern superspeedway racing?
👉 Yes. The way the Earnhardts raced simply doesn’t exist anymore.
🔎 Would Dale Sr. and Jr. have adapted?
👉 Absolutely—great drivers always find a way. But they would have hated how today’s restrictive, manufacturer-controlled, and fuel-strategic racing has sucked some of the life out of superspeedway battles.
One thing is for sure—this debate is far from over.