WATCH: Frustrated Martin Truex Jr. bumps Denny Hamlin multiple times during victory lap after Richmond loss

WATCH: Frustrated Martin Truex Jr. bumps Denny Hamlin multiple times during victory lap after Richmond loss

Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO) No:19 car bumping No:11 car (In Circle, Screenshot @nascar/X)

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. had an eventful race at Richmond on Sunday. He almost scored secured his first win of the 2024 season before a disappointing overtime re-shuffle cost him the race. His teammate Denny Hamlin took advantage of the opportunity with fast pit-stop and was able to secure the race win.

It wasn’t just the pit-stop that gave Denny Hamlin the advantage though as his aggressive defense of teammate Martin Truex Jr. also helped.  The No:11 Camry supposedly jump started in the race and later used up the No:19 car one the turn two for the win. Hamlin’s move allowed both Joey Logano and Kyle Larson to overtake for P2 and P3 respectively.

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Truex Jr. is known for his classy acts and being one of the most respected racers on the grid. But on certain days even the best can be taken over by frustration and the same happened to the 2017 Cup champion. He bumped Hamlin multiple times from behind while the JGR driver was doing his victory lap, before going back to the pits.

During his post-race interview Truex Jr. was critical of his teammate and his antics. He accused him of using him up and jump-starting on the final restart. His frustration is warranted because he lost the race despite leading half of the whole event due to an incident involving Denny Hamlin’s driver.

Denny Hamlin’s driver Bubba Wallace spun Kyle Larson to cause overtime

23XI Racing’s driver Bubba Wallace spun Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson on the penultimate scheduled lap of the Richmond race. Martin Truex Jr. was just half a lap away from taking the white flag. NASCAR immediately called the caution, sending the race to over times.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Larson (Via IMAGO)

The 2017 champion lost the race on the pit-road as Denny Hamlin’s crew was able to get his driver out faster than anyone else. On the other hand, Bubba Wallace had a poor restart and ended up outside the top-10 despite having a fast car.  

While it was uncharacteristic of Martin Truex Jr., to bump Hamlin, it’s understandable. The veteran would be quickly over the incident as he has secured a race win soon to keep his championship hopes alive and secure playoffs spot. JGR has been fielding fast cars over the last four race weeks and so he doesn’t need worry about having competitive cars, but have to work execution.

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