Denny Hamlin has never been one to hold back, making him one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures. Whether through his Actions Detrimental podcast, post-race interviews, or fiery exchanges on X (formerly Twitter), Hamlin’s outspoken nature has placed him under constant media scrutiny. But despite the criticism, NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick believes Hamlin isn’t getting the respect he truly deserves.
Harvick Calls for More Respect for Hamlin
Hamlin’s talent behind the wheel is undeniable, yet criticism follows him at every turn. However, after an impressive showing at the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, Hamlin found a supporter in 2014 Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick. On his Happy Hour podcast, Harvick defended the Joe Gibbs Racing star, insisting that Hamlin deserves more recognition than blame.
Harvick pointed out that Hamlin often gets unfairly targeted despite his resilience:
🗣️ “We’re all going to question Denny Hamlin, right? Like he’s… just the easy target. So everybody wants to put the blame, question, whatever it is on Denny. But you can’t deny the fact that they came out of the gate at first practice—horrible—couldn’t get out of their own way. Second practice, fastest, qualifies up front, wins his heat race, leads a lot of the race, puts himself in position.”
Hamlin’s Off-Track Challenges: 23XI Racing and NASCAR Lawsuit
Beyond being a top-tier driver at JGR, Hamlin juggles multiple responsibilities, including co-owning 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan. Adding to his challenges, he’s been embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit against NASCAR. Last year, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the sanctioning body, accusing it of monopolistic practices. The situation escalated after 23XI refused to sign the 2025 charter agreement, putting their team’s future in jeopardy.
Fast forward to 2025, and the charter dispute has been resolved—Judge Kenneth Bell granted 23XI Racing a preliminary injunction, allowing them to remain a chartered team.
Harvick Applauds Hamlin’s Composure Under Pressure
Despite the legal and racing challenges, Harvick praised Hamlin’s ability to stay composed:
🗣️ “He can compartmentalize things and is able to let all the noise and all the chatter not bother him. He knows what to do and when he needs to shift his focus from 23XI and everything that’s going on with the lawsuit… not having enough sponsorship on his car.”
Is Hamlin Unfairly Targeted?
Despite his ability to rise above distractions, Hamlin continues to face constant scrutiny. As Harvick pointed out, Hamlin’s ability to deliver on race day should be admired, not questioned.
But the real question remains—will all this pressure eventually push Denny Hamlin to walk away from the sport?
Is Denny Hamlin unfairly targeted, or does he deserve the heat he gets in NASCAR?
