NASCAR breaks silence on Denny Hamlin’s “awfully close” jumpstart for the win at Richmond

NASCAR gave a verdict on Denny Hamlin's possible jump start during the race at Richmond.

NASCAR breaks silence on Denny Hamlin’s “awfully close” jumpstart for the win at Richmond

Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. (Via IMAGO)

Denny Hamlin won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond in overtime beating his teammate Martin Truex Jr.’ who led over 200 laps in the race. But the legitimacy No:11 Toyota Camry’s win came under review after Truex Jr. and later video proof showed that the former might’ve jumpstarted on final restart. NASCAR instantly took it into their hands to review the situation.

Vice President of Competition at NASCAR Elton Sawyer addressed the drama Denny Hamlin‘s alleged jumpstart caused among fans. He confirmed that the start was fair. Sawyer stated how it was very close, but after NASCAR had thoroughly reviewed the incident and hasn’t find any problems that warrants a penlaty.

YouTube video
Yeah we reviewed that, we looked at it, Obviously, the 11 was the control vehicle. It was awful close, but we deemed it to be a good restart.
Elton Sawyer told Fox Sports.

Although fans of the sport and many pundits were sure about the jump start, it seems NASCAR has found it to be just on the limit and fine. From what it’s worth, NASCAR felt it was better to give Denny Hamlin the win, to avoid further backlash. Since the latter is one of the most hated racers on the garage, the online dram won’t end soon.

FS Video

Martin Truex Jr’s take on Denny Hamlin’s jump start

Fellow Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. had a very scrappy ending to his race at Richmond. He was disappointed by Denny Hamlin as he pushed him off the track to take the lead and he was only able to take lead by jumpstarting.

Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin
Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO) No:19 car bumping No:11 car (In Circle, Screenshot @nascar/X)
I felt like 11 used up down there in turn one and I didn’t really appreciate a teammate racing me like that. I wish he would have gave me a chance, but that’s the way it is.
Martin Truex Jr. after the race at Richmond.

Martin Truex Jr. was definitely a little disappointed by the antics of his teammate Denny Hamlin. However, the driver seems to be in good spirits and assured fans that he’ll bounce back stronger at the next race in Martinsville. He will soon have to secure a race win to keep championship hopes alive.

In case you missed it: