“You’re Not That Guy!” Denny Hamlin Reminds Carson Hocevar He Isn’t Dale Earnhardt as His Aggressive Racing Continues to Wreak Havoc

Young NASCAR sensation Carson Hocevar got a reminder from Denny Hamlin that he isn’t Dale Earnhardt and shouldn’t be this aggressive on the track.

“You’re Not That Guy!” Denny Hamlin Reminds Carson Hocevar He Isn’t Dale Earnhardt as His Aggressive Racing Continues to Wreak Havoc

Carson Hocevar, Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt (Via IMAGO)

Seven times Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt is the driver that has been the driving force behind NASCAR prominent and is still seen as many as the GOAT of the sport. He is known for being aggressive and bold on the track, earning him the nickname The Intimidator. Over the years many drivers came close to gaining that title, but Spire Motorsports Carson Hocevar seems to the one that comes closer than anyone.

The No:77 Chevy driver has had run ins with multiple drivers since his debut, with the last two weekends featuring some big moments, while he secured back-to-back P2 finishes. But Carson Hocevar’s superior raw speed and rivals letting him lose over his over aggressive moves, made some including the likes of Dale Earnhardt Jr. to hint that the youngster races like Dale Sr. But Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin doesn’t share the same feelings.

In the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts on the Nashville incident involving Carson Hocevar and the attitude the racer showed in his post-race interview. He reminded the youngster that thinking racing rough is cool is wrong, and unlike many claims, he isn’t ‘The Intimidator.’ This is because of the fact that racing has changed a lot over the years and being aggressive isn’t the best strategy long-term.

While [Hocevar] may think it’s cool to be the tough guy and they want to just put on this persona of someone that’s was one of the most popular drivers in our sport because he was ‘The Intimidator,’ you’re not that guy. So, this is just a different type of racing nowadays. This is not the best strategy, especially with as good as he’s running.

Denny Hamlin said via Happy Hour podcast.

Kyle Petty seems to disagree with Denny Hamlin

But like in many matters, former NASCAR driver and Richard Petty’s son Kyle Petty disagree on the matter with Denny Hamlin. The duo has had some big beefs in the past when the latter was racing and still shares that rivalry. Petty, being someone who has raced alongside Dale Sr., might have a better understanding of Seniors racing than Hamlin.

Hamlin and Petty (1)
Denny Hamlin and Kyle Petty (Via IMAGO)

In his appearance on the Fast Talk for the Performance Racing Network, Kyle Petty criticized the Amazon Prime broadcasting crew for criticizing the young racer. He hinted at the hypocrisy of the group, as they all are Dale Sr. fans and asserted that Chevy Cup championship prodigy is racing just like the Hall of Famer.

I find it fascinating that I’m watching Amazon and they’re complaining about how Carson drives and… which is exactly what Earnhardt did.

Kyle Petty said.

Further talking about the point, he asserted that Hocevar is someone that uses his raw talent and race with rough to succeed, and that has been the root of his success over the years. He isn’t here to make friends, he is here to win races, just like Earnhardt.

He came in with his roughness and gruffness and his raw talent and he changed the sport. And that’s what Carson’s doing in a certain way, is he’s changing that top group of drivers on how they’re going to have to race.’

Kyle Petty added.

While it’s good to see that Carson Hocevar isn’t backing down amidst the criticism, but he has to learn to more calculated with his aggression. He shouldn’t make to many enemies and should make some allies like Dale Sr. did. If he is able to do that it won’t be long before he becomes a bonified championship contender.

Also Read: Denny Hamlin Confesses He ‘Didn’t Do Enough in Retaliation’ Against Ross Chastain During Their Heated Beef