Kevin Harvick Declares Denny Hamlin “Seem so Comfortable” Being the NASCAR Villain

Ex-NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has given his verdict on Denny Hamlin comfortable being the sports’ villain.

Kevin Harvick Declares Denny Hamlin “Seem so Comfortable” Being the NASCAR Villain

Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin secured his third win of the 2025 season at Michigan International Speedway last Sunday and then decided have some fun with the fans. He embraced his NASCAR Villain role and brought back the controversial “I beat your favorite driver one-liner.” Now his ex-rival Kevin Harvick has given his verdict on the whole drama.  

In the latest episode of the Happy Hour podcast, Kevin Harvick asserted that Denny Hamlin is really comfortable being the villain, a role he took over from his ex-teammate Kyle Busch. The ex-SHR Driver asked the JGR driver about how he is so comfortable being the heel and he revealed that he is just using the opportunity get back at the fans, who are boing him.

He loves it… I asked him about that. I said, ‘You seem so comfortable, and you’re like — you’re having fun with it.’ He’s like, ‘Look, I give them the first opportunity to show their reaction, and then I figure if they can flip me off and boo at me, then I can go right back at them.’

Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.

The comments from Denny Hamlin came out of nowhere as he had retired the smug one liner last season, after his father Dennis Hamlin got involved and asked him to don’t be too smug in such situation. So, when he brought the controversial one-liner back, the first thing he said was “I am sorry daddy…”

Further talking about Hamlin, Kevin Harvick highlighted that the veteran is getting more comfortable being the NASCAR heel, unlike many drivers who works hard to get out of the negative shade. He also pointed out that there are lot of fans in the NASCAR community that loves to hate the No:11 driver and the team.

So, he definitely seems to be getting more and more comfortable with the position (of being a heel) that he’s in with the fans. But I think they love to hate him.

Kevin Harvick added.

Kevin Harvick isn’t picking Denny Hamlin to win at Mexico

The NASCAR Cup garage is at Mexico City this weekend for the first international race weekend over a decade and the road course race is going to be a huge challenge for all the racers. Kevin Harvick in the podcast, made his pic for the winner, and unlike his usual pick of Hamlin or Larson, Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen.

Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick (Via IMAGO)

The three times Supercars champion is the most experienced driver when it comes to road course races and with the solid Trackhouse Chevy, he is going to be front runner. Just like he did at Chicago, SVG can take advantage of his rivals’ inexperience.

SVG, that’s my confirmation Shane Van Gisbergen.

Kevin Harvick said.

The second host of the podcast, Kaitlyn Vincie though is going for the most experienced and talented road course driver on the grid, AJ Allmendinger. The Kulig Racing driver is pretty strong and has always been a factor in such venues.

I’m going to go with AJ Allmendinger. I feel like that could be an issue.

Kaitlyn Vincie said.

The third host of the show Mamba Smith also made his pics for the event. He is known for making the bold prediction and this time he is going for the hometown hero, Daniel Saurez, who is a proven road course racing talent.

I’m going with a hometown boy. Just give me Daniel Suarez because why not home cooking?

Mamba Smith said.

The three have solid points and arguments in the favor for the pick, and just like them, the three drivers they picked are also coming in looking for the victory. It would be interesting to see who made the right pick or if a fourth driver comes in, likes William Byron and Tyler Reddick, to disappointment all of them.

Also Read: Brad Keselowski Throws NASCAR Under the Bus for the Wrong Penalty Call at Michigan