Denny Hamlin, a seasoned driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, shared his thoughts on the controversial finish at Richmond Raceway, where Austin Dillon’s aggressive driving led to a dramatic and contentious end to the race. Hamlin expressed clear frustration, noting that he “hated” being involved in the incident. Reflecting on Dillon’s actions, he suggested that drivers who engage in such aggressive tactics ultimately have to “pay your dues” for their actions, hinting at the possible repercussions that could come Dillon’s way in the future.
The final two laps at Richmond Raceway were nothing short of intense, especially during the overtime period. Joey Logano had taken command of the race, leading the field with determination. Meanwhile, Austin Dillon, who had started the race from the sixth position, was steadily making his way up through the pack. As the race reached its climax, Dillon made a daring move, diving deep into the rear of Logano’s #22 Ford as they approached the final corner. This aggressive maneuver caused Logano to spin out, effectively eliminating him from contention for the win.
However, Dillon wasn’t done yet. Just moments after making contact with Logano, he pulled a similar move on Denny Hamlin, who had started the race from pole position. Dillon’s car collided with Hamlin’s, sending the Joe Gibbs Racing driver into the wall. The impact not only dashed Hamlin’s hopes of a victory but also paved the way for Dillon to cross the finish line first, securing a win that would prove to be highly controversial.
In the aftermath of the race, Hamlin did not hide his displeasure when discussing the incident. Speaking candidly, he remarked, “I don’t know. I mean, the record book won’t care, right? About what happened. He’s going to be credited with the win, but obviously, he’s just not going to go far because it’s, you know, you’ve got to pay your dues back on stuff like that.”
Hamlin’s comments reflect the frustration that many drivers feel when aggressive tactics lead to such outcomes. “I just hate that I was part of it,” he continued. “You know, it’d have been fun if I was not one of the two guys that got taken out in the last corner, but I understand it. Doesn’t mean I have to agree with it.”
Hamlin has been performing at a high level throughout the season, and after Logano’s crash, he appeared to be on track for his fourth win of the year. Yet, Dillon’s last-ditch efforts robbed him of that opportunity, leaving Hamlin to contemplate what might have been.
On the other side, Austin Dillon was unapologetic about his aggressive approach in the final moments of the race. He acknowledged that this race was the first time in nearly two years that he felt he had a legitimate chance to secure a victory. Given the circumstances, he felt that he “had to do it.”
Reflecting on the dramatic last lap, Dillon explained, “I don’t know, man. It’s been two years and this is the first car I’ve had a shot to win,” Dillon told NBC. “I felt like with two to go, we were the fastest car… I hate to do that, but sometimes you just got to have it. I have to thank the good Lord above. It’s been tough over the last two years, man. I care about [Richard Childress Racing], my wife, and this is my first… it means a lot. I hate it, but I had to do it.”
Dillon’s win at Richmond is particularly significant given his performance this season. Before this race, his 2024 campaign had been underwhelming, with only six top-20 finishes to his name. His place in the standings was a dismal 32nd, far from the playoff contention. However, his win at Richmond has dramatically altered his trajectory, securing him a spot in the playoffs and giving his season a much-needed boost.
Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, who had already secured his place in the playoffs earlier in the season with three wins, was left to reflect on what might have been. Despite his strong performance throughout the race, the final outcome was dictated by Dillon’s aggressive tactics, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of NASCAR and the fine line between victory and defeat.
In the broader context, Dillon’s actions at Richmond have reignited discussions about the ethics and sportsmanship within NASCAR, particularly when it comes to the lengths drivers will go to secure a win. While Dillon celebrated his hard-fought victory, the controversy surrounding the finish suggests that this race will be remembered for more than just the checkered flag. As Hamlin alluded to, the “dues” for such aggressive racing may still need to be paid, and the impact of this race could resonate throughout the remainder of the season.
