(Video) “I Like to Have Those Feels!” Denny Hamlin Exposes Why He Cherishes Being the NASCAR Villain

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has revealed why he doesn’t hesitate to embrace the NASCAR villain role and what he enjoys about it.

(Video) “I Like to Have Those Feels!” Denny Hamlin Exposes Why He Cherishes Being the NASCAR Villain

Denny Hamlin wins at Michigan (Via @NASCAR/X)

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin secured his third win of the 2025 Cup Series season at Michigan overcoming the strong duel from the likes of William Byron and Kyle Larson. After the win, the No:11 Toyota driver embraced his villain persona and teased the fans by bringing back his controversial smug one-liner.

In the 2024 season, Denny Hamlin told the booing crowd that he beat their favorite driver, making them boo more and he continued to do so, until his dad asked him to stop. But he brought it back to rile up the fans, as he has been experiencing a poor streak and he invited more boos when he tried to start a “o-h-i-o” chant from a pro-Wolverines crowd.

On his post-race interview, the veteran explained what are the inspiration behind his cocky actions on the track. The 23XI Racing co-owner admitted that he likes having fun with the crowd, and wants them to do more than just clap for the winning driver, giving them more entertainment. He doesn’t care if the reactions are negative or positive.

I love having fun with the crowd and I just don’t want them to ever clap when they say my name. It’s like, ‘Alright, next guy.’ I want to make them feel a certain way. It could be positive, it could be negative, but I like to have those feels.

Denny Hamlin said on Amazon Prime Video broadcast.

Denny Hamlin explores how Michigan win might affect name of his new baby

Since the Nashville race week Denny Hamlin has been on baby watch, as his fiancé Jordan Fish is expected to give birth to their third child together soon. Following the impressive win, Dustin Long of NBC Sports asked Hamlin if he would name his child inspired by the win.

Denny Hamlin wins at Michigan
Denny Hamlin wins at Michigan (Via @JoeGibbsRacing/X)

Michigan Hamlin? It would be an interesting name. The JGR veteran then explained how the couple has planned to decide on names and the system they have in place, like tinder, to swipe left and right to decide on one. At the moment they have 15 names they have matched.

We have this app that is essentially swipe left, swipe right on names and then you match names that you both like. … And so, right now we have like 13-15 names that we matched. I have one that I was hung up on right from the beginning.

Denny Hamlin told NBC Sports.

The TRD veteran sees this as a good thought that can be explored, but with the baby expected to come this close, the time might be over to rethink as it isn’t a pressure the mother should have when she is expecting delivery. The couple is currently focussed on having a good delivery and the health of the child.

It’s interesting, she did give me option, she said, ‘If you had to pick one or the other, you either get to schedule this or you get to have the name. Which one? You can’t have both.’ I said, ‘I’ll take the name.’…But it’s a great point that does something from today get in there somewhere. That’s a good thought.

Denny Hamlin said.

Just like the race, his fan base is also looking forward to seeing when will the newest addition to the Hamlin family will come and what will be the child’s name. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout in the life of the 44-year-old star driver.

Also Read: “Daddy, I’m Sorry!” Denny Hamlin Brings Back Brutal Comments to Tease Fans at Michigan