Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr are teammates; Still Truex Jr saw the move by Hamlin on Larson as “dirty”
On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series raced at Pocono Raceway. The race ended in drama between playoff contenders.
Denny Hamlin worked inside of Kyle Larson on a restart into turn one. As they exited the corner, Hamlin leaned on the door of Larson, pushing him up the track.
Larson elected not to lift, he bounced off the outside wall.
Moments later, a caution was thrown for Justin Haley. Under the yellow, Larson passed several cars and took a swipe at race leader Denny Hamlin to show frustration.
Denny Hamlin crashes Kyle Larson to win Pocono (Video)
Denny Hamlin drove it to the win and the crowd erupted in boos. Hamlin insisted that he never touched Larson.
These two drivers are friends outside of the track. However, Larson said he’ll have to race Hamlin different moving forward.
Martin Truex Jr spent time at the front of the field and looked to have the fastest car. As a teammate to Hamlin, even Truex Jr called the move ‘dirty’.
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Martin Truex Jr comments on the move from Denny Hamlin
“When we were leading, we were gone. The class of the field,” Martin Truex Jr told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio after the race.
“I did exactly what Denny did, other than pushing the No. 5 too deep into the corner then running him in the fence off [the corner].”
“He kinda took it that extra little bit, I guess, to make it a little bit dirty. You know, I didn’t, so maybe that’s the difference of why he won and I didn’t.”
However, Truex doesn’t regret not racing dirty.
Truex Jr added, “It’s too early in the year. We got playoffs coming up, we don’t need to be running guys in the fence for a win.”
Martin Truex Jr is in a contract season. His team owner has stated that he expects the driver to return in 2024. However, no deal has been signed.
Truex is in his 20th season of NASCAR Cup Series competition. He’s collected 34 wins and won the title in 2017. He’s currently the point leader.
Pocono Results: July 23, 2023 (NASCAR Cup Series)
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Links
Martin Truex Jr | Kyle Larson | Denny Hamlin | Pocono Raceway | NASCAR
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