“We’ve a Mutual Respect!” Joey Logano Explains the Evolution of His Relationship with Denny Hamlin

Team Penske Racing’s Joey Logano has shared his thoughts on how his relationship with ex-teammate Denny Hamlin has changed over the years.

“We’ve a Mutual Respect!” Joey Logano Explains the Evolution of His Relationship with Denny Hamlin

Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin (Via imago)

Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin have had complicated relationship over the years. They started as teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing and were good to each other, but once the three times Cup champion moved to Team Penske Racing things started to go south. Both of them being hyper competitive and aggressive drivers played a key role behind the drama.

But over the last few years, with both veteran in the final chapters of their Cup racing career, the things have changed. Talking about the dynamic between them to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, the No:22 Ford Mustang driver highlighted that they have passed a lot of their chaotic history and has mutual respect for each other.

We’ve always raced each other hard, right? And we’ve had our history in the past, but I feel like we’ve passed a lot of that. We have a mutual respect for each other.

Joey Logano told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Furthermore, the veteran asserted that they now have more fun compared to the past racing with each other, while appreciating their success in the sport over the last two decades. Time heals everything and the duo didn’t want to hold the grudge forever.

We’re a couple of veterans in the sport at this point. I think we kind of understand how the racing goes and what we need to do, and it was a fun battle there. Just time, I guess. I mean, you don’t want to be a person that holds a grudge forever.

Joey Logano added.

Later in the same conversation, Joey Logano highlighted that they have had multiple run-ins over the years and it took them some time to get over the animosity over those incidents. Just like he did with Kevin Harvick, Logano seems to have settled any beef with Denny Hamlin who would most probably retire within the next two years.

There’s been a lot of races and long years of racing in between the last time we’ve had some kind of issue with each other to kind of rebuild that respect and the trust there.

Joey Logano asserted.
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Joey Logano explains his championship reality

In a separate conversation, Logano talked about his championship hopes against Hamlin who is P1 in the table. He is currently P15 in the table after securing his first win in 45 races and is in an uncomfortable position.

Joey Logano
Joey Logano (Via @joeylogano/X)

I mean, it definitely helps. There’s no doubt. But the thing is, as much as, you know, it’s a relief to win one and lead a bunch of laps and all that, we’re still 15th in points. Like, it’s not a comfortable spot by no means.

Joey Logano said via DBC podcast.

The veteran racer needs to win at-least one more race in the regular season and finish top-5 consistently to get into the top-10 before the chase starts. Even then he has slim chance of securing the Bill France cup. But there is still a chance considering there are handful of teams that can match the strong runs the No:22 can produce under immense pressure.

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