Denny Hamlin SLAMS Jeff Gordon for the criticism of his heel turn

Jeff Gordon was highly apprehensive of Hamlin's approach influencing HMS' drivers.

Denny Hamlin SLAMS Jeff Gordon for the criticism of his heel turn

Denny Hamlin and Jeff Gordon (Via IMAGO)

Jeff Gordon did not mince his words last week when discussing Denny Hamlin. The NASCAR legend said that Hamlin’s “villain” persona might be good for him, but that is something he would not want for his HMS drivers. He said drivers should focus on increasing their reach by winning rather than sparking unnecessary controversies. Embracing his new villainous role, Hamlin also did not pull any punches as he claimed to be grateful not to have been driving for Gordon.

Hamlin said that Gordon is saying two things at once. While Gordon said that he likes his new approach, he also claimed that he wouldn’t want that for his drivers. HMS drivers also came under his target as he said that while they do have personalities, they are influenced by HMS and Gordon’s beliefs of how to run the team.

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“What he is saying is that, ‘I like it, but I don’t like my guys to do it.’… I’m wondering how his sponsors have marketed his drivers, because I think his drivers have great personality. Does anybody know? Nope. I haven’t seen much either… Thank God I don’t drive for him.” Hamlin said on his Actions Detrimental Podcast (H&T: Pro Talk).

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Hamlin also took a dig at Gordon’s love for music festivals, saying that they have disillusioned him on several things. He said,“I think he’s been to one too many Burning Mans. … He’s going against the logic that he said twelve months ago.”

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Kyle Petty overlooks Denny Hamlin as his favorite for the Cup Series winner

NBC’s NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty had predicted that “This is Denny Hamlin’s year.” The JGR driver is in one of his finest forms and is well on his way to qualifying for the Championship Four. However, as the Cup Series goes into the R-8, Petty has changed sides. After Hamlin’s DNF at Charlotte, Petty believes that HMS William Byron may take home the trophy this year.

William Byron
William Byron (Credits: Motorsport.com)

Petty said that Hamlin’s momentum has slowed down as compared to the earlier stages of the Playoffs. For Byron, he said that he does the right things at the right time, which makes him the favorite for the Championship Four.

“The guy who’s momentum has slown for me is Denny Hamlin. I don’t know where he’s been the last couple of races because he was the hottest guy at the face of the earth,” said Petty.

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