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Joe Gibbs Racing star Denny Hamlin picked up his second win of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season and the 50th win of his career Sunday at Pocono Raceway.
But rather than cheers for Hamlin, who was once of the series’ most-popular drivers, he was met with a chorus of boos from fans in the stands.
Fans booed not because Hamlin won, but rather the manner in which he won.
Late in the race, he lined up for a restart behind leader Kyle Larson. Larson is one of the most popular and perhaps the best driver on the grid today.
With an opportunity for a victory, perhaps the only opportunity he was going to get, in his sights, Hamlin got aggressive.
Larson and Hamlin contact has created a lot of discussion 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/4GgeI8o4ew
— Rocket Sportz (@RocketSportz) July 24, 2023
He turned his car below Larson and then proceeded to drive into the side of the leader. The move caused Larson to drive up the race track and into the wall.
Hamlin completed the pass and won the race. Larson eventually fell all the back to 21st position.
“I got used up. It’s just unfortunate. I feel like we’ve had a handful of run-ins.,” Larson said after the race. “I’ve never had to reach out to apologize. He’s always been the one that’s reached out to me and been like, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry. I messed up there a little bit,’ or ‘Sorry, I put you in a bad spot,’ or ‘Sorry, I hurt your day.’ I’ve never had to do that to him. Sure, maybe there’s been times he’s been frustrated with me, but I’ve never hurt his results. I should have at least been top two; I finished 21st.”
Hamlin, however, saw things differently. He claimed that Larson could have backed out of the gas and avoided wrecking.
The fans did not see it that way.
Boos from the crowd as Denny Hamlin crosses the line to win under caution at Pocono. pic.twitter.com/FLoGuUMv5P
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) July 23, 2023
Loudest boos for a winner in awhile. Crowd chanting “Hamlin sucks.”
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) July 23, 2023
“Both guys wrecked themselves” Hamlin says and Boo’s are raining down. What a jerk.
— Shaun (@jshaunAU2006) July 23, 2023
Hamlin also does it. Difference is He never takes responsibility for it. He wants to talk and complain about it when others do it to him but never admits fault when he does it. That's why fans boo him (It started even before this year with Him vs Elliott) https://t.co/Tou1D3XEfV
— BlueWolfSpirit (@BlueWolfSp1r1t) July 23, 2023
Bullshit ending nascar. Rains of boos for hamlin. Crybaby still mad Busch took his 2019 title. #NASCAR75
— luke (@LukeFranklin71) July 23, 2023
Question: Describe a Narcissist
Answer: Denny Hamlin
I hope he doesn't subject his poor daugther to his Entrance Boos next week like he did after Chase Elliot was suspended. He tried to use her as a shield and made her cry! Pure Narcissist move!— Deb (@DebDAngelo26) July 23, 2023
Though Hamlin, 42, was unfazed.
Hamlin on the boos.
“I’m just too old to care.” pic.twitter.com/grEU0LiDkV
— Eddie Kalegi (@EddieKalegi) July 23, 2023
Sounds like we’ve got some serious beef as NASCAR playoffs near.