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Denny Hamlin’s Surprising Buckeyes Obsession Sparks Controversy Among NASCAR Fans

David Castro by David Castro
January 12, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In a world where motorsport legends are often tethered to their on-track heroics, Denny Hamlin has flipped the script with a shocking off-track revelation: his passionate allegiance to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. The revelation caught fire after Hamlin was spotted fervently cheering at the Buckeyes’ semifinal victory against the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl. But what left fans buzzing wasn’t just his enthusiasm—it was the baffling reason behind his loyalty.


From Stock Cars to College Football: The Story Behind Hamlin’s Buckeyes Devotion

Unlike many fans who forge connections through alma maters or regional ties, Hamlin’s love for Ohio State is rooted in something entirely different. When pressed about his allegiance, Hamlin admitted it was all thanks to two of his close friends, self-proclaimed Ohio State superfans.

“I never went to college, so no allegiance to any other schools. I’ve got two friends who are absolute lunatic fanatics of OSU. Went to a game to watch them be fans, and I was wildly entertained. Friends ride with OSU, so I ride with them,” Hamlin explained in a now-viral Twitter post.

That’s right—the NASCAR star, with no personal ties to the university, became a Buckeyes believer simply through camaraderie. What started as a casual outing transformed into a full-blown passion, with Hamlin now rallying behind the Buckeyes as they prepare to take on Notre Dame in the National Championship.


Why This Revelation Has NASCAR Fans Divided

While Hamlin’s fandom for Ohio State may seem harmless, it’s stirred mixed reactions among NASCAR loyalists. Some fans applauded his transparency and ability to enjoy life beyond racing. Others, however, were less kind, questioning how a legend like Hamlin could openly embrace a college football team without any direct connection.

Social media lit up with debates, with some claiming Hamlin’s Buckeyes obsession feels like a betrayal of his NASCAR roots. After all, Hamlin has always been closely tied to his Virginia heritage, which makes his Ohio allegiance all the more curious.


A Rollercoaster NASCAR Career Still Seeking Its Fairytale Ending

Beyond the football field, Hamlin remains laser-focused on his racing career. Despite a glittering resume that includes 58 Cup Series wins and triumphs in marquee events like the Daytona 500, the 44-year-old is still chasing the elusive NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

Hamlin’s 2024 campaign was a nail-biter. A strong start saw him clinch three top-five finishes in the first five races, but mid-season struggles cast doubt on his title hopes. Yet, true to his resilient spirit, Hamlin fought back with three crucial wins, securing a spot in the Championship 4 for the second consecutive year.

In the season finale at Phoenix, Hamlin came heartbreakingly close, losing the title by just 0.33 seconds. While his consistency remains unmatched, critics argue that NASCAR’s playoff format, which emphasizes a winner-takes-all approach, undermines drivers like Hamlin who perform steadily all year.


From the Track to the Sidelines: A Buckeye’s Perspective

Hamlin’s support for Ohio State is a fascinating parallel to his own career struggles. Just as the Buckeyes face immense pressure to end their decade-long championship drought, Hamlin finds himself battling the weight of expectations in NASCAR’s unforgiving playoff system.

For now, the driver-turned-superfan is savoring every moment of the Buckeyes’ journey to glory. And as Ohio State gears up for their showdown against Notre Dame, one thing’s certain: Denny Hamlin will be cheering louder than ever.

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