“What a crock of sh*t” – Fans weigh in on Denny Hamlin’s 25 driver points deduction

Many people in the NASCAR world are bemused by the severity of the penalty that NASCAR issued to Denny Hamlin.

It all started with Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 driver admitted that he intentionally clashed with Ross Chastain during overtime at Phoenix Raceway. Hamlin said that as he was sure to finish low in the race, he wanted the same for Chastain.

“My crew chief told me that there were 18 cars on the lead lap,” Hamlin said. “At that point, I said, ‘All right, well, I’m probably — live looking at a picture — I’m probably running sixth or seventh. I’m about to get passed by everybody behind me who’s on fresh tires. I’m about to finish in the mid-teens.’

“And I said, ‘You’re coming with me, buddy.’ It wasn’t a mistake. No, it wasn’t a mistake. I let the wheel go, and I said, ‘He’s coming with me.’”

“I will be making an appeal to the people” – Denny Hamlin reacts to the penalty handed out by NASCAR after admitting to wrecking Ross Chastain 

The rivalry was building up for some time and this action seemed like Hamlin’s retaliating against Chastain for past clashes with the Trackhouse Racing’s No. 1 Chevrolet driver.

However, his honest admission did not get well with NASCAR as he was issued $50,000 and docked 25 driver points for the intentional contact with Chastain.

Fans on Twitter blasted NASCAR’s decision. Some were quick to remind that similar clashes have gone unpunished in the past.

What a crock of shit on both penalties

— Surely you can’t be serious (@brandonsblog) March 15, 2023

yall have the worst officiating when it comes to penalties EVER

— Wole Wuster (@WCCITP41) March 15, 2023

It’s hilarious to me that Ross wrecked Denny 3 times last year and Byron spun him under caution, yet the only person who got a points penalty is Denny for fencing Ross and not even causing a caution 😂

— Ethan G | 🏎🏁🏆 (@efgregs) March 15, 2023

If Denny has a problem with Ross take it to the parking lot and settle it. Don't destroy the cars which you don't own and don't build. Congratulations Denny you win "Open mouth, insert foot award".

— slow_grandpa (@slowgrandpa1953) March 15, 2023

I mean, Hamlin literally stated it was on purpose. Never should have said anything and he'd probably have been fine.

— Zach (@ZachRRichardson) March 15, 2023

Well that's the end of that podcast sadly ……. race wasn't great to begin with now we penalize people for having rivalries…. if anyone out thier is keeping score I think Chastain is owed a few 🤷‍♂️

— Matt Brown (@MB1851) March 15, 2023

While clashes and rivalry are common in NASCAR, it is rather Hamlin openly admitting that he did it led to this situation. While one can argue that he is being honest, unlike many other drivers in the past, NASCAR had to intervene to uphold the rules and regulations in the sport.

“To all the keyboard warriors” – Fox announcer Mike Joy gets called out for mocking fans on live broadcast at Phoenix