“You adapt or you die,” Denny Hamlin SLAMS critics of his controversial pass for the win at Pocono

Denny Hamlin claims one must “adapt or die” in modern NASCAR after his contact with Kyle Larson in Pocono.

“You adapt or you die,” Denny Hamlin SLAMS critics of his controversial pass for the win at Pocono

Denny Hamlin (Credits: WFSA)

Denny Hamlin hit his 50th NASCAR Cup career win at Pocono Raceway last weekend. He gave Toyota their 600th victory in NASCAR across all three series, Cup, Xfinity, and Truck. Another reason to celebrate was Hamlin’s seventh win in Pocono. However, many criticized him because of the incident with Kyle Larson. Hamlin made contact with Larson, who ended up in the wall while fighting for the lead in the remaining seven laps of the race. 

Though many criticized Denny Hamlin, he seemed unbothered and stated he couldn’t care less. The 23XI Racing co-owner claimed that fandom doesn’t give him trophies. Apart from this, Hamlin explained that racing has changed over the years. He feels it is up to the drivers to adapt as NASCAR has entered a modern era. He believes the cars are closer now, and it is more difficult to overtake them. Hence, one must adjust their driving style according to the game. 

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Denny Hamlin told the media at Richmond, “I think it’s different now. The cars are closer together. Passing is more difficult than it’s ever been. Even Mark Martin would have to adjust his style in this type of car because the days of the gentleman letting the guys go and you will just go and get them later – it’s just a different game these days. I wish we could go back to those days, but that is not where we are at. You have to adapt to where you are at. You adapt, or you die.”

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Denny Hamlin discusses the reason behind his aggressive racing style

Denny Hamlin (Credits: Autoweek)
Denny Hamlin (Credits: Autoweek)

Hamlin revealed that he has become more aggressive over the last few years. He stated, “I feel like over the last few years, I’ve decided to be more aggressive because I’ve got used up by aggressive, and it is hard to blame them at the time – especially in a race-winning situation.” The 42-year-old explained that racing for the win has become very different.  

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver feels that the driver willing to be aggressive will usually win. He stated that this is racing and that someone has to take it to the next level. Denny Hamlin gave examples of his run-ins with Ross Chastain.

He said he changed his mindset on the track after the “Chastain thing.” During his many run-ins with Chastain, the scales were three to nothing. Hamlin revealed that his team was frustrated at him for not doing anything. He claimed there were tough results for them in the last three years. And hence, there was a need to be aggressive. 

Denny Hamlin hates that his Pocono win came at his friend Larson’s expense. He said it did not happen the way he intended. However, end of the day, the win meant so much to Hamlin, and he made a split-second decision during the race. Overall he feels he has to be more aggressive when aiming for a win. 

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