Denny Hamlin Appreciation Thread

RaceCritter said:
“Worst” may be an overstatement…they are still pretty good if they win. But it is a headline grabber and he’s a marketing machine. He’s certainly better than many. But I wonder how many have won a championship who would not have been considered a top 10 by most measures during that time/era. My history of the sport doesn’t go back that far. Weakest I can think of in the last 10 years was Blaney and I like that guy and he’s a solid top 10 driver.
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It blows me away how Blaney's championship hasn't resonated one way or the other. As soon as he crossed the start/finish in Phoenix, I was thinking, "Oh ****, here comes the 'didn't deserve it' crowd." ....but really, nothing....He certainly isn't polarizing I don't think, but he does elicit some response...
 
Revman said:
It blows me away how Blaney's championship hasn't resonated one way or the other. As soon as he crossed the start/finish in Phoenix, I was thinking, "Oh ****, here comes the 'didn't deserve it' crowd." ....but really, nothing....He certainly isn't polarizing I don't think, but he does elicit some response...
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As I said, Blaney is good and I like him. Even have a hat. But if I try and assess the Champions in the last 10 years who was the least dominant it may be him. Didn’t say he didn’t deserve to win last year. Denny made an overstatement to get attention but while he may have aimed it at Chase, I’d say Chase has almost twice the wins as Ryan and that counts for something…though I often root for Blaney and never root for Chase 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
Revman said:
It blows me away how Blaney's championship hasn't resonated one way or the other. As soon as he crossed the start/finish in Phoenix, I was thinking, "Oh ****, here comes the 'didn't deserve it' crowd." ....but really, nothing....He certainly isn't polarizing I don't think, but he does elicit some response...
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I think a lot of it has to do with his personality. In general he is well liked by his owner, sponsors, team, competitors and fans. He also has taken advantage of his role as "champion" to promote NASCAR through many different platforms. While he doesn't have some of the gawdy numbers other champions have put up, he does appear to conduct himself as a "champion" and that goes a long way when distancing itself from on track performance. I think the potential is there for another championship down the road as he continues to learn just what he needs in the car to make him fast.
 
....and Denny Hamlin takes the points lead.....The Felon, Jeffy, and Chadly......Interesting decision making....but, hey if you're handing out the points lead, I will take it.....We sure Larson has the waiver yet?
 
Revman said:
....and Denny Hamlin takes the points lead.....The Felon, Jeffy, and Chadly......Interesting decision making....but, hey if you're handing out the points lead, I will take it.....We sure Larson has the waiver yet?
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If they don’t give him a waiver you will NEVER see another double attempt unless they change the rule.
 
Surely everyone understands that a waiver for this is baked in and has been since the planning for all of this all started.

And a reminder that Chase Elliott was granted a waiver into the playoffs after missing a race due to a NASCAR suspension for rough driving.
 
aunty dive said:
Surely everyone understands that a waiver for this is baked in and has been since the planning for all of this all started.

And a reminder that Chase Elliott was granted a waiver into the playoffs after missing a race due to a NASCAR suspension for rough driving.
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.....and it is so completely stupid that all parties have not been up front with this from the beginning. I vote for the death the waiver.
 
The rebranding of Hamlin is epic. Driver, owner....and you get all of his perspectives via Actions Detrimental. I don't give two ****s what people think of him, but it is undeniable that he is giving more to this sport right now than any other driver....yeah, more than Larson running a dirt track with 5K in attendance. Go ahead and hate the dude, but don't ignore his commitment to making this sport better. We need more of this.
 
In the over sixty years I've followed this sport, Denny Hamlin's efforts, comments, etc.,are aimed at improving it instead of griping when things don't go right. He doesn't acquiesce to NASCAR.
Fans either love him or hate him.
I didn't like him for many years but maturity has mellowed him. He is thoughtful and a more capable driver, leader, who is intelligent and wiling to listen. I like his program because he pulls no punches. When he screws up he admits it. He is candid regardless who is involved and many times people can't accept hearing negative comments about their driver but incidents on and off track relevant to any given discussion are fully explored and Hamlln is candid in his discussion.
 
Revman said:
The rebranding of Hamlin is epic. Driver, owner....and you get all of his perspectives via Actions Detrimental. I don't give two ****s what people think of him, but it is undeniable that he is giving more to this sport right now than any other driver....yeah, more than Larson running a dirt track with 5K in attendance. Go ahead and hate the dude, but don't ignore his commitment to making this sport better. We need more of this.
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He's back crying about the car. I'm from the shut up and drive crowd myself. If I thought he was helping anything it would be different.
 
Revman said:
The rebranding of Hamlin is epic. Driver, owner....and you get all of his perspectives via Actions Detrimental. I don't give two ****s what people think of him, but it is undeniable that he is giving more to this sport right now than any other driver....yeah, more than Larson running a dirt track with 5K in attendance. Go ahead and hate the dude, but don't ignore his commitment to making this sport better. We need more of this.
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Denny has improved a bit with maturity. He still has his moments and I really am not sure we know the real Hamlin.
I think a case can be made for Kez as he “quietly” has resurrected a dying team
 
StandOnIt said:
He's back crying about the car. I'm from the shut up and drive crowd myself. If I thought he was helping anything it would be different.
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You don't think he is helping? He's telling NASCAR and fans alike what he feels is wrong with this car and performance on track.
Thing is, most all other drivers feel the same way. How many have offered praise for the car? His criticisms come from knowledge of driving. When changes come the drivers like he tells NASCAR. Too often people rip Denny as negative but overlook the comments of positives he brings into the open.
It is obvious you are one of the "I hate Denny Hamlin" fans. I get it. But you aren't looking at the overall picture of what he says and does unless it is to criticize him for whatever reason you choose to do so.
 
Whizzer said:
You don't think he is helping? He's telling NASCAR and fans alike what he feels is wrong with this car and performance on track.
Thing is, most all other drivers feel the same way. How many have offered praise for the car? His criticisms come from knowledge of driving. When changes come the drivers like he tells NASCAR. Too often people rip Denny as negative but overlook the comments of positives he brings into the open.
It is obvious you are one of the "I hate Denny Hamlin" fans. I get it. But you aren't looking at the overall picture of what he says and does unless it is to criticize him for whatever reason you choose to do so.
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You have been around for a long time. Do you remember any era where they didn't complain about the car? He is nothing new. Back in the day they were changing the spoiler almost every week, changing grills and body styles, The Mopars earlier than that boycotted Nascar for a full year! C'mon man. You know better.
 
StandOnIt said:
You have been around for a long time. Do you remember any era where they didn't complain about the car? He is nothing new. Back in the day they were changing the spoiler almost every week, changing grills and body styles, The Mopars earlier than that boycotted Nascar for a full year! C'mon man. You know better.
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Sure I do but the gripes back then were of a different era and nature. NASCAR tightly controlled everything and made decisions based on who NASCAR wanted to win or punish. Look how they stripped Wendel Scottt of his lone victory in Jacksonville. Took away Mark Martin's point lead and gave advantage Earnhardt/Childress over a welded spacer or the Charlotte race where the 3 car lost a wheel leaving pit road and allowed the team to replace it despite violating NASCARs own rules, Petty using an oversized engine for his 200th win. The list is endless.
Yes teams complained and in todays world, things have changed and Hamlin has the opportunity to bring issues to the forefront. In his mind NASCAR wants a level playing field yet the cars are so equal it ruins racing for the fans then he's the one to stand up and whine, bit(h or whatever you want to call it. His voice is heard and some people don't like it. Because people in power hear him when he advocates for changes to better the sport.
 
Whizzer said:
Sure I do but the gripes back then were of a different era and nature. NASCAR tightly controlled everything and made decisions based on who NASCAR wanted to win or punish. Look how they stripped Wendel Scottt of his lone victory in Jacksonville. Took away Mark Martin's point lead and gave advantage Earnhardt/Childress over a welded spacer or the Charlotte race where the 3 car lost a wheel leaving pit road and allowed the team to replace it despite violating NASCARs own rules, Petty using an oversized engine for his 200th win. The list is endless.
Yes teams complained and in todays world, things have changed and Hamlin has the opportunity to bring issues to the forefront. In his mind NASCAR wants a level playing field yet the cars are so equal it ruins racing for the fans then he's the one to stand up and whine, bit(h or whatever you want to call it. His voice is heard and some people don't like it. Because people in power hear him when he advocates for changes to better the sport.
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I agree with what you are saying, but I don't agree he is bettering the sport. What has he done to better the sport? The goal was to make the car harder to drive. It's harder to drive. On top of that, the competition is closer than it ever has been.
 
StandOnIt said:
I agree with what you are saying, but I don't agree he is bettering the sport. What has he done to better the sport? The goal was to make the car harder to drive. It's harder to drive. On top of that, the competition is closer than it ever has been.
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All true and because guys like Hamlin stand up to be counted. Too often, these complaints, while not addressed directly to NASCAR, come from other drivers, teams, through him.
Do you listen to his podcast? When you hear him argue about something he views as a deficiency automatically turn off the volume and consider it whining? Have you heard him in recent years not admit his faults or errors on track? He doesn't rip NASCAR unless there is a reason and he states his reasons. He listens to their rebuttals. He's not 100% perfect but he is a good representative andspokesman for drivers and teams. He's highly invested in the sport. And NASCAR listens to him.

I'm not shilling for Hamlin but pointing out he isn't what a lot of people dislike him for being. They look at his past, when he was truly a whiney kid. He's not like that today. That's when I started to appreciate his talent. Today, when he speaks he has something to say and people listen.
 
Whizzer said:
All true and because guys like Hamlin stand up to be counted. Too often, these complaints, while not addressed directly to NASCAR, come from other drivers, teams, through him.
Do you listen to his podcast? When you hear him argue about something he views as a deficiency automatically turn off the volume and consider it whining? Have you heard him in recent years not admit his faults or errors on track? He doesn't rip NASCAR unless there is a reason and he states his reasons. He listens to their rebuttals. He's not 100% perfect but he is a good representative andspokesman for drivers and teams. He's highly invested in the sport. And NASCAR listens to him.

I'm not shilling for Hamlin but pointing out he isn't what a lot of people dislike him for being. They look at his past, when he was truly a whiney kid. He's not like that today. That's when I started to appreciate his talent. Today, when he speaks he has something to say and people listen.
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Uh no, never have I listened to his podcast. And sorry you haven't changed my mind. He's one in a long line of them IMO. I don't think he is sought out by the higher ups at Nascar for his opinion. I pretty much think the go to guys are Hendrick and Penske, and Smith.
I do believe Hamlin is one of the more popular drivers, along with Hailie Deegan and Bubba Wallace.
 
StandOnIt said:
I agree with what you are saying, but I don't agree he is bettering the sport. What has he done to better the sport? The goal was to make the car harder to drive. It's harder to drive. On top of that, the competition is closer than it ever has been.
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What has he done to better the sport?! Oh, I don't know....invested millions to start a contending team......consistently in the playoffs as a driver.....a podcast that actually gives some insight into the sport.....perspectives that include both the driver and the owner side.....Answer this question.....Who else gives you that? Nobody, and when we have a guy who his willing to be out there as much as he is, our understanding of the sport deepens, conversations grow, and interest increases. So, yeah, I guess you are right, he does nothing for the sport.
 
Revman said:
What has he done to better the sport?! Oh, I don't know....invested millions to start a contending team......consistently in the playoffs as a driver.....a podcast that actually gives some insight into the sport.....perspectives that include both the driver and the owner side.....Answer this question.....Who else gives you that? Nobody, and when we have a guy who his willing to be out there as much as he is, our understanding of the sport deepens, conversations grow, and interest increases. So, yeah, I guess you are right, he does nothing for the sport.
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I personally think that almost every time he opens his mouth he creates more chaos and confusion than anything else.
 
Revman said:
What has he done to better the sport?! Oh, I don't know....invested millions to start a contending team......consistently in the playoffs as a driver.....a podcast that actually gives some insight into the sport.....perspectives that include both the driver and the owner side.....Answer this question.....Who else gives you that? Nobody, and when we have a guy who his willing to be out there as much as he is, our understanding of the sport deepens, conversations grow, and interest increases. So, yeah, I guess you are right, he does nothing for the sport.
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100% agreed.

I don't like Denny one bit, and I still root against him, but there's no doubt that he's great for the sport
 
2 Sweet said:
100% agreed.

I don't like Denny one bit, and I still root against him, but there's no doubt that he's great for the sport
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...and I get why people hate him.....but his impact cannot be denied. I am also impressed with his appreciation, respect, and commitment to this sport....I really didn't know that about him because it has always been clouded by his playboy image. I think the guy really likes NASCAR and wants the sport to be great.
 
Revman said:
...and I get why people hate him.....but his impact cannot be denied. I am also impressed with his appreciation, respect, and commitment to this sport....I really didn't know that about him because it has always been clouded by his playboy image. I think the guy really likes NASCAR and wants the sport to be great.
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I'll give him this. He is one of the more popular drivers. Along with Hailie Deegan and Bubba Wallace.
 
StandOnIt said:
I personally think that almost every time he opens his mouth he creates more chaos and confusion than anything else.
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Yeah, he truly does because he doesn't tow the party line. Of course, this creates inconsistency, but it also stimulates interest and discussion. I think that his role as an owner is fascinating as NASCAR navigates the charter agreement. Denny has to balance running his mouth just enough to keep NASCAR nervous with running it too much and alienating his fellow owners. The bottom line is that Denny likes this sport, and I appreciate this. Knowing that Larson would always rather be at a dirt track somewhere has never sat well with me. I pay thousands to get to a race. I want the participants to be all in. I saw Denny at the Toyota Racing Experience last spring at Fontana--just prior to Actions Detrimental launching....he was a different guy....very engaging and entertaining....and insightful. I don't know that he will ever win a championship, but if he does, it will be right now. He should be scary to the Larson crew. I don't know how true it is, but he has created a narrative that he doesn't give a ****, and he has proven that he will put Larsony into the wall to win.
 
StandOnIt said:
I'll give him this. He is one of the more popular drivers. Along with Hailie Deegan and Bubba Wallace.
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I know that this post is sarcastic, but there was a time when nobody would even tease about that because he was so uninteresting. Denny has reinvented himself, and I think he did it on his own...by being himself....and I love that he doesn't give a **** if you don't like it. I rooted for a driver once for the very same reason. Let me know when you are ready for the KB Fan Membership....prices have been slashed I think. Was he at the Trump rally with Poor Richard, or detained at the Mexican border again?
 
Revman said:
I know that this post is sarcastic, but there was a time when nobody would even tease about that because he was so uninteresting. Denny has reinvented himself, and I think he did it on his own...by being himself....and I love that he doesn't give a **** if you don't like it. I rooted for a driver once for the very same reason. Let me know when you are ready for the KB Fan Membership....prices have been slashed I think. Was he at the Trump rally with Poor Richard, or detained at the Mexican border again?
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Eh, he's up to 15 pages. Work harder.
 
Revman said:
The rebranding of Hamlin is epic. Driver, owner....and you get all of his perspectives via Actions Detrimental. I don't give two ****s what people think of him, but it is undeniable that he is giving more to this sport right now than any other driver....yeah, more than Larson running a dirt track with 5K in attendance. Go ahead and hate the dude, but don't ignore his commitment to making this sport better. We need more of this.
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We've been over this before. But I'm finding Hamlin harder to root against. I still enjoy rooting against him, but I can't help but appreciate how much he cares about the sport.

Do I think his villainy is contrived? 100%. Even though he can naturally come off as unlikeable sometimes, it isn't organic in the way Stewart and Busch were. Even though it's contrived, I feel like there is a legitimate good reason he's acting up.

He's also said in his podcast that he wants to milk the hell out of the 11/5 rivalry with how they race each other. To me it seemed like he is inviting Larson to push back. I don't think it's anything personal, at this point, I think Hamlin really has used up Larson too much and seems to think that if he and his buddy can really be okay with racing each other like this, it'll be good for the sport.
 
jaqua19 said:
We've been over this before. But I'm finding Hamlin harder to root against. I still enjoy rooting against him, but I can't help but appreciate how much he cares about the sport.

Do I think his villainy is contrived? 100%. Even though he can naturally come off as unlikeable sometimes, it isn't organic in the way Stewart and Busch were. Even though it's contrived, I feel like there is a legitimate good reason he's acting up.

He's also said in his podcast that he wants to milk the hell out of the 11/5 rivalry with how they race each other. To me it seemed like he is inviting Larson to push back. I don't think it's anything personal, at this point, I think Hamlin really has used up Larson too much and seems to think that if he and his buddy can really be okay with racing each other like this, it'll be good for the sport.
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Earnhardt and Gordon were friends behind the scenes but they raced each other harder than anyone else. It became the most iconic rivalry in NASCAR history. Let the 11 and 5 take each other out a few more times. The sport needs it.
 
StandOnIt said:
He's back crying about the car. I'm from the shut up and drive crowd myself. If I thought he was helping anything it would be different.
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Why are you so against criticism of the next gen car? I'm not being snarky, I'm genuinely curious. Fans and drivers alike have all shared complaints about the aero stuff in traffic. Drivers like Hamlin and Busch have even broken down the specifics of what's going on aerodynamically. NASCAR has even admitted to not testing the car in traffic.

Do you think there are no issues with the car, or do you recognize there are issues with the car, but think that they're overblown and that there's no sense in complaining about it? You've been one of the most outspoken here against complaints against the car, so I'm just really curious about what your thoughts are.
 
jaqua19 said:
Why are you so against criticism of the next gen car? I'm not being snarky, I'm genuinely curious. Fans and drivers alike have all shared complaints about the aero stuff in traffic. Drivers like Hamlin and Busch have even broken down the specifics of what's going on aerodynamically. NASCAR has even admitted to not testing the car in traffic.

Do you think there are no issues with the car, or do you recognize there are issues with the car, but think that they're overblown and that there's no sense in complaining about it? You've been one of the most outspoken here against complaints against the car, so I'm just really curious about what your thoughts are.
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Might be with @StandOnIt on this one. With all due respect to NASCAR aerodynamicists Busch and Hamlin, have we had a great car since CFD? The car is what it is. If it's bad in traffic, start up front, and stay up front.
 
Revman said:
Might be with @StandOnIt on this one. With all due respect to NASCAR aerodynamicists Busch and Hamlin, have we had a great car since CFD? The car is what it is. If it's bad in traffic, start up front, and stay up front.
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My short answer is the car wasn't designed to be easy to drive.
Transpose Nascar names instead, and the point is the same.
 
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