Denny Hamlin frequently faces boos from spectators in the stands following his victory. The renowned NASCAR driver solidified his status as a villain in the sport after the Bristol playoff race last year. Despite the negative reception, Hamlin took the opportunity to address the crowd during his post-race interview, delivering the now-infamous line, “I beat your favorite driver.”
This remark allowed Hamlin’s supporters to cheer him on while giving his detractors more reason to despise him. The 2024 season has commenced with Hamlin maintaining the same attitude. He emerged victorious in the LA Clash at the Colosseum, starting the race on pole position and displaying consistent performance throughout. Following his win, the TRD driver once again dropped his well-known one-liner.
Former NASCAR driver and race analyst Kyle Petty expressed his disapproval of Hamlin’s repetitive behavior. While acknowledging the impact of the initial cocky comment, Petty suggested that it may lose its effectiveness if overused. As the son of a seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, Petty advised Hamlin to come up with a new tagline.
Despite a disappointing end to the 2023 season, which saw him eliminated in R-8, Hamlin, now a co-owner of 23XI Racing, has rebounded and gained significant momentum heading into the Daytona 500. The LA Clash victory has confirmed several things: Hamlin’s performance remains consistent, he refuses to alter his racing style in response to criticism, and he approaches the Daytona 500 with confidence, aiming for his fourth crown jewel race win.
Furthermore, the LA Clash demonstrated that the recent changes to the Toyota Camry’s body have not hindered their performance. All TRD cars, with the exception of Christopher Bell’s, qualified for the race. Throughout the day, both JGR and 23XI drivers showcased comparable cars, highlighting their competitive edge.
