Jeff Gordan advises his drivers against emulating Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR heel turn

Denny Hamlin is currently dubbed as a 'foe' in NASCAR.

Jeff Gordan advises his drivers against emulating Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR heel turn

Jeff Gordon (Via IMAGO)

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin‘s approach to stirring up conversations has earned him a unique place—a villain, embracing both admiration and boos from the racing audience. While his outstanding performance in the Cup Series positions him as a formidable contender, his provocative demeanor has made headlines, creating a persona that stands out in the racing landscape.

Jeff Gordon, the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), applauds Hamlin’s audacious strategy, acknowledging the artistry in sparking conversations and provoking opinions. However, Gordon swiftly draws a line in the asphalt for his HMS drivers, emphasizing that Hamlin’s controversial path isn’t what he envisions for his team.

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“I’ll give him kudos all day long. Go for it,” applauds Gordon, speaking on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, acknowledging Hamlin’s artistry in sparking conversations and provoking opinions. However, he firmly asserts, “It’s too controversial.” For him, the route to triumph is defined by winning races and cultivating a fan base through authentic self-expression rather than courting unnecessary controversies.

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While Gordon values individuality, he cautions against controversy, becoming the primary driver for his drivers. “You can call us stiff, you can call us whatever you want,” he remarks, underscoring HMS’s business-centric nature. The HMS philosophy, as articulated by Gordon, is rooted in efficiency—a business-centric approach where winning races, attending to sponsors, and letting them manage marketing take precedence.

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Jeff Gordan believes that your performances should market you not your controversies

The racing luminary advises his drivers, “Let the sport figure out how to market you.” Gordon’s playbook prioritizes on-track performances and minimizes distractions. The delicate equilibrium between embracing individuality and steering clear of needless controversies echoes through his words. 

Jeff Gordan and Kyle Larson
Jeff Gordan and Kyle Larson (Credits: Autoweek)

While Hamlin’s ‘heel fame’ may work for him, Gordon envisions HMS as a team where the success on the track resonates louder than off-track controversies. “That’s just my opinion,” he concludes, stressing the significance of maintaining a healthy organizational milieu. Currently, Hamlin is on the brink of securing a Round of 8 berth, boasting a comfortable 50-point cushion above the cut-off line. 

In contrast, HMS’ William Byron clinched his spot with a stunning triumph at the Texas Motor Speedway, shifting the spotlight to Kyle Larson. With a mere 15-point buffer, Larson needs a standout performance in Charlotte this weekend to punch his ticket to the Round of 8 in the playoffs. 

As Hamlin navigates the high-speed twists of controversy, Gordon’s HMS remains firmly grounded, charting the course to victory with a strategic eye fixed on the finish line. The juxtaposition of Hamlin’s ‘heel fame’ against Gordon’s business-centric philosophy encapsulates the dynamic narrative of NASCAR, where personalities and performance collide on the race track.

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