Denny Hamlin on his own racing career: “No last name, no money, no backer.”
Respect has been a hot topic in the world of NASCAR in recent weeks. Recently, that discussion was regarding non-playoff drivers ruining races of playoff drivers.
On Sunday, that very scenario played out. Alex Bowman turned Denny Hamlin in the closing laps while racing for the lead. Bowman went on to grab the win.
After the race, Hamlin didn’t initially head for the pit lane. Instead, he met up with the race winner on the front stretch.
Related: Denny Hamlin runs into Alex Bowman after Martinsville win (Videos)
Victory celebrations were interrupted for a different kind of entertainment. Hamlin lined nose to nose with Bowman and proceeded to do a burnout out of his own with both middle fingers aiming at Bowman out of the front window.
NASCAR fans erupted and one even tossed a water bottle at the roof of Hamlin’s machine. Eventually, Hamlin was told over the radio to think “Big picture” and he drove away from the scene.
Now, it’s a new week. Hamlin is ready to join Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr in a championship battle. This weekend, Phoenix Raceway hosts the championship finale.
Ahead of the race, Hamlin reflects on the incidents at Martinsville and looks ahead to the battle at Phoenix.
Related: NASCAR reacts to Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman post-race altercation
Denny Hamlin comments after Martinsville
“I don’t expect you to understand my emotions,” Denny Hamlin stated via twitter after the race at Martinsville Speedway.
“You don’t see the time I spend working on my craft, you don’t see the work these teams put in and you haven’t been taken out twice in the last 10 weeks. One costing us RegSeason championship. The other nearly ending our season.”
“I don’t care what your opinions are. I don’t care what you think of me. You don’t know me.”
“Reverse the rolls with your favorite driver. Feel the same? There’s obviously a lack of respect out there that needs to be earned back. The easy way, or the hard way.”
“I got here through the hardest path possible. No last name, no money, no backer. I’m blessed beyond words. I’ve spent 16 years trying to accomplish this sports highest honor.”
Related: Denny Hamlin issues an apology letter to Chase Elliott (10,000 races comment)
Hamlin added, “This week brings a new opportunity to achieve it. I’m ready. My team is ready. F*k!n bring it.”
Hamlin has advanced into the championship 4. He joins Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr in a championship battle at Phoenix Raceway.
Hamlin has 16 years of full-time NASCAR Cup Series experience. He has a career best of 2nd in the season standings and he’s finished 4th in the last two seasons.
