NASCAR is inherently a contact sport, with drivers frequently making physical contact while attempting to pass each other. However, there is a fine line that should not be crossed to maintain the sport’s competitive spirit. When this line is crossed, fans often react by criticizing the driver responsible for the incident. A notable example of this occurred in August 2017 with Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott at Martinsville. Following a push by Hamlin that resulted in Elliott’s wreck, the incident reignited discussions and rivalries when a video of the crash was shared again on NASCAR’s social media accounts. Since then, Hamlin has faced significant criticism from fans, but this is part and parcel of the sport. Drivers continue to take such risks to secure victories, albeit with a greater awareness of potential repercussions.
Denny Hamlin’s Perspective on the Crash with Elliott
As an experienced driver and now a team co-owner, Denny Hamlin has had time to reflect on his actions. Despite the high-pressure environment and the rapid decisions required on the track, Hamlin has gained clarity on past incidents. Reflecting on the 2017 crash, Hamlin acknowledges that he could have approached the situation differently. In an interview with Jeff Gluck on Dirty Mo Media, Hamlin admitted, “The way fans feel about me changed probably in 2017, that was probably at Martinsville with Chase. That was probably one of the big defining moments, for sure. Wish I could do that all over again. Certainly, feel like I would have made a lot different choices in the moment.”
Sincere regret is a powerful sentiment, and Hamlin has shown this since the Richmond controversy. Young drivers, driven by adrenaline, often make hasty decisions, but with age and experience comes a greater sense of responsibility. Hamlin’s acknowledgment of his mistakes reflects his growth and understanding of the sport. Even though he regrets the fallout from the Elliott incident and the ensuing rivalry, Hamlin maintains that such rivalries are beneficial to NASCAR. He remarked, “You want to see someone your favorite driver beat? That person. So, I think, yeah, it is good for overall sport.”
Jeff Gluck’s Take on the Incident
Crashes in NASCAR inevitably lead to consequences, some more severe than others. Jeff Gluck’s perspective on the 2017 Martinsville incident suggests that the aftermath of Hamlin’s push was significant, regardless of whether Elliott was simply moved up the track, spun, or crashed. Gluck argued that the outcome was essentially the same—Elliott’s chance at Homestead was compromised. He also pointed out that Elliott received leniency from fans for a similar move against Brad Keselowski at Martinsville, which highlighted a bias in fan reactions.
Gluck compared the Martinsville incident with a similar situation in Phoenix later that year, where Elliott was again spared from severe criticism. This, according to Gluck, indicates a certain superficiality and partiality in fan opinions. Hamlin concurred with this observation, noting, “I think that when someone becomes a fan of something, then they’re gonna see things through a different lens and not a subjective lens forever from that point, whether it be Hendrick fans or a Chase Elliott fan.”
The Role of Fan Sentimentality
Despite the criticisms and controversies, Brett Griffin supports Hamlin’s view on the positive aspects of fan sentiment. He concludes, “You need black hats in NASCAR. It’s good.” In other words, having rivalries and contentious figures in the sport adds an essential layer of drama and engagement for fans, which ultimately benefits NASCAR by keeping the competition exciting and engaging.
