Denny Hamlin Exposes “Master” Rick Hendrick’s Chevy Garage Hegemony After Kyle Larson’s Controversial Talladega win

The NASCAR Cup Series race last Sunday at Talladega witnessed some wild moments and chaos, with Kyle Larson eventually securing win and potentially the 2026 title with just wo races left in the year. His win didn’t lack controversies though, as he had the full backing of the Chevy garage. There was also the yellow-line breach controversy at the end of the race.

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin discussed all these factors on his podcast and explained how team hierarchy works at Chevy. He gave the example of Ross Chastain blacking a whole lane on stage one to supposedly help the No:5 to maximize on points. The veteran asserted that the Trackhouse driver has to answer first to Rick Hendrick and then Chevy before his team.  

Think about where Ross- let’s just bring up Ross because you brought him up- falls on the totem pole. I’m gonna put Hendrick at the top. Then, I’m gonna put below that, Chevy. Then below that I’m gonna put Trackhouse, and then below that I’m gonna have the crew chief. Then below that is the driver. That is the totem pole in which he is answering to.

Denny Hamlin said on his podcast.

The No:1 Chevy doesn’t have a choice owing to the absolute control Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick has on the OEM. All of the team’s Spire Motorsports, Hyak and Trackhouse needs Chevy Technical Centre’s help and that operate in HMS Performance Centre. The longstanding business relationship also gives the sports winningest team the undisputed tier-1 status.

What choice does Ross have? He has to answer to these people that employ him or his boss on race day, which is his crew chief. The crew chief answers to the team. The team then answers to Chevy. Chevy then answers to Hendrick. And I put Hendrick above Chevy because he controls the whole thing. And if you are Trackhouse or you’re a Spire or you’re Hayak or you’re whoever else, it all runs through Rick Hendrick.

Denny Hamlin added on Actions Detrimental.

With them being at the top of the totem pool, Denny Hamlin believes the fellow teams have no option but to work as per the instruction given to them. The veteran also highlighted how even Richard Childress Racing, a team with more history than HMS, doesn’t have the tier-1 status at Chevy. These comments are surely going to irk Richard Childress and “master” Rick Hendrick.

That’s what it is. And so, you have to **** at the teat of the master. I mean, that’s just the way this thing works. And I’m sorry, but that is the truth. And so, you just have no choice but to do what you’re told, because the way they’ve set that whole program up is it runs through the master. And that’s why, in my mind… I mean, do we really honestly believe that RCR is getting the same information as Hendrick from Chevy? Come on.

Denny Hamlin asserted.

Denny Hamlin address criticism of Danielle Trotta for reporting the Chevy dynamic

In the same conversation, Hamlin talked about the heat reporter Danielle Trotta while reporting about Chevy’s plans for the week. She revealed how most of the OEM’s team plans revolved around pushing Kyle Larson to the right spot and some in the community didn’t like these reports.

Danielle Trotta got a bunch of grief about her journalism of going in there and asking people, ‘What’s the deal with Chevy?’ and they’re saying, ‘Oh, our job is to push Larson today or protect Larson. I mean, we all know it. People just didn’t like to see it in writing.

Denny Hamlin said.

Talladega chatter from garage area: Hearing Chevy has instructed teams to help Larson. Don’t let him get hung out at end of stages to max potential for stage points. Talking to Toyota CC that may hurt their cars bc so many Chevys up front helps Kyle but also can take stage points away from Toyota drivers. It’s one thing to have a plan it’s another to execute. I expect all Chevy teams to be on Larson’s strategy to maximize the 5’s day. The “Larson effect” w Chevy will be a fascinating one. Will it work? Must see TV! 2pmET NBc #NASCAR

— Danielle Trotta (@DanielleTrotta) October 25, 2026

The backlash came from the individuals in the community that finds it hard to accept the ownership dynamic in the team. At the end of the day, Hamlin isn’t no way trying to downplay the impressive win from Larson, he just highlighting the obvious facts many choose to ignore.

Also Read: Denny Hamlin Brands 2026 a ‘Definitely Successful Year’ Despite Chase Disappointment