Denny Hamlin’s Heartfelt Loyalty Costs Him Victory—Is It Time to Rethink His Priorities?
In a nail-biting race at Kansas Speedway, Denny Hamlin, the seasoned veteran of Joe Gibbs Racing, found himself grappling with a heart-wrenching dilemma. After leading an astonishing 159 laps and dominating the opening stages, he settled for a bitter second-place finish, falling just short of clinching a vital playoff spot. “No one will ever accuse me of laying over for anyone for a win,” he declared, a statement that echoes his fierce competitive spirit. But could his unwavering loyalty to Joe Gibbs Racing be the very thing that cost him the championship?
Hamlin’s integrity shone brightly even as he faced a devastating defeat. The driver of the No. 11 Toyota chose not to hand a critical victory to his own co-owned driver, Bubba Wallace, despite the latter’s pressing need for a win in the ‘open’ category amidst ongoing legal battles. This noble choice has garnered massive respect from NASCAR insiders, who laud Hamlin for prioritizing his team’s legacy over mere personal gain.
As 2023 has unfolded, many have speculated that this could finally be Hamlin’s year. With five victories already under his belt, including a pivotal win in the Round of 16 at Watkins Glen International, the stakes couldn’t be higher. However, the ever-changing points system has left the 44-year-old desperate for a win in Kansas. Had he allowed Wallace to seize the moment, it would have provided a significant boost for 23XI Racing’s playoff aspirations. “He’s not thinking like a team owner,” remarked The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi on ‘The Teardown’ podcast. “This was driver versus driver, and he fought hard.”
Yet, this loyalty comes with its own set of consequences. Critics have long pointed out the potential ‘conflict of interest’ Hamlin faces as a driver and co-owner of a competing team. Bianchi’s candid remarks reveal the tension at play: “If anyone ever wants to accuse Denny of favoring his own team over the team he drives for, here’s the evidence. And this could potentially cost Denny significantly monetarily.”
With his position in the playoffs precarious, Hamlin’s actions have stirred a complicated web of emotions among his peers. Both he and his teammate Christopher Bell are on the cusp of advancing, while Wallace’s win could spell trouble for Chase Briscoe, who drives the No. 19 car. “I couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Jeff Gluck, emphasizing Hamlin’s commitment to Joe Gibbs Racing. “Denny’s got to get after it to try to win the race, and that’s what he did.”
However, the decision to engage in fierce competition with Wallace proved disastrous as the two collided, allowing Chase Elliott to swoop in for a shocking win. Reflecting on the final moments, Hamlin expressed regret: “If I had to do it all over again, I think I’d run a little bit lower to allow a space between us.” The disappointment in his voice was palpable, revealing the weight of the choices he made on that fateful track.
As the playoffs loom, Denny Hamlin finds himself sitting 48 points above the cutline, but with both he and Wallace in must-win situations for the upcoming race at the Charlotte Roval, the pressure is mounting. Wallace’s blunt criticism of Hamlin—“He’s a dumb-ss for that move,”—underscores the tensions that may bubble over in their next team meeting.
In the world of NASCAR, where split-second decisions can lead to triumph or tragedy, Denny Hamlin’s unwavering loyalty stands as both a beacon of integrity and a potential roadblock to success. As he grapples with his dual roles as driver and owner, one must ask: will his heartfelt commitment to Joe Gibbs Racing ultimately define his career, or will it lead him to miss out on the championship he so desperately seeks? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Hamlin’s journey is anything but ordinary.