Denny Hamlin claims his ‘NASCAR heel-turn’ brought in more sponsorship attention

Denny Hamlin has been making headlines every other week with his actions on and off the track this season.

Denny Hamlin claims his ‘NASCAR heel-turn’ brought in more sponsorship attention

Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott (Via IMAGO)

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has come forth claiming he has gotten more sponsor attention with him embracing the NASCAR heel. Hamlin had an impressive season on and off track in 2023, that saw him securing multiple wins but unfortunately ended the year at P5. He made a lot of supporters and haters with his antics this year as well.

Using his new podcast Action Detrimental and being as vocal as he had ever been, Hamlin was able to create headlines every other week. The most infamous moment he had this season was him claiming he had beaten all the fan’s favorite drivers while they were booing him after his Bristol race win.

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While recalling the 2023 season in his latest podcast appearance with Dale Earnhardt Jr. he pointed out that he a lot more attention from the sponsors with his antics, especially in Bristol. He pointed out that the sponsors loved his actions and are now interested in more partnership deals in the future.

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The sponsors that came in for a small little bit, loved the experience. Loved who I was vocally with my podcast, the Bristol stuff they loved it and we’re in for more. It has turned now into a very positive thing where brands are wanting to be associated.
Hamlin said via Dale Jr. Download.

The 23XI Racing co-owner role might have made Denny Hamlin embrace the heel role

Denny Hamlin’s change into the new character he is playing now might have been influenced by the freedom he is now enjoying as the co-owner of 23XI Racing. He now has a proper backup plan if he is to lose his JGR seat due to his actions.

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch (Via IMAGO)
Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch (Via IMAGO)

Hamlin has confirmed that same in his podcast appearance with Dale Jr. He claimed that he wouldn’t have been as public with his opinions as he is now. This might be because the fact that he didn’t have such a solid Plan B in the past and the experience is a factor as well.

Now Hamlin is more than just a veteran racer as he used to be. He has more know-how about the sport and how it works with his new role as the leader of 23XI. This gives a wider perspective about the sport that many don’t have.

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