Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives his honest opinion on Denny Hamlin’s DIRTY move on Kyle Larson in Pocono

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has opened up on the recent incident between Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin and Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson. Hamlin secured his record-breaking seventh win at Pocono Raceway after battling Larson. With seven laps to go, the two drivers fought for the lead on Turn 1. Hamlin eventually nudged Larson into the wall and took the chequered flag first. As a result of this, the latter finished the race 20th. 

Though many NASCAR fans were unhappy with Hamlin and booed him, Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a different opinion. He claimed that drivers usually do what they have to on track to win the race. He did not have a problem with the incident between Hamlin and Larson in the triangle. Though the pair are good friends, Larson is angry with Hamlin. Meanwhile, Hamlin said he had to race hard for the win. This is something Earnhardt Jr. agreed on. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacted to Denny Hamlin’s bold move on his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download. He stated, “I don’t really have a problem with this. So there is something TJ used to say on the radio when you would get into the position Denny was in. TJ’s line would be to take what you need. And honestly, that’s the mentality of the driver at the moment.”

Related: Kyle Larson gives a verdict on his friendship with Denny Hamlin after the JGR drive made it ‘shitty and awkward’ at Pocono

Dale Earnhardt Jr. claims the views on Hamlin and Larson’s Pocono incident is subjective

Earnhardt Jr. added, “The spotter, the crew chief all the crew guys looking to see the decision the driver makes, they all want the driver to take what he needs and what he wants.” He feels that the drivers should do what they need to do to win. Though it was a dirty move by Denny Hamlin, it was a move that gave him the 50th victory of his Cup career. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. claimed that people’s opinion on the Hamlin and Larson incident depends on which side they are on and who they support. Naturally, the crew chief, mechanics, and engine builders of the No.11 Toyota Camry would stand with Hamlin. And on the other hand, the No.5 Chevy camp would be fuming at Hamlin’s move. This is how Earnhardt Jr. summed up the Pocono clash. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. concluded, “Either way, all of this sells tickets.” He believes this kind of hard racing keeps fans engaged and brings back memories from the 90s. Dale Jr. claims that rivalries between drivers on track are essential for the sport. It adds spice and keeps the fans buzzed. 

In case you missed it:

• WATCH: Joey Logano goes on a profanity-laced tirade at Pocono track workers
• “So much internalized misogyny, disappointing” – Danica Patrick trashed online for a controversial opinion on women in motorsports

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