Denny Hamlin Unknowingly Sells Out Bubba Wallace & Joe Gibbs’ Grandson’s Forced Shift in Priorities

Jan 16, 2024

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via Imago

Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, and Joe Gibbs | Image Credits: Imago

As the FireKeepers Casino 400 reaches its final stretch with only 126 laps remaining, suspense is in the air as spectators wonder who will capture the next four victories and secure their berths in the playoff’s elite 16. Yet, it’s likely that the frontrunners—Martin Truex Jr, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin—will duke it out to tighten their grip on the top positions.

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However, not all NASCAR drivers seem to share this single-minded pursuit. Many use NASCAR as a training ground to get their bearings on the demanding tracks, as seen in the case of Shane Van Gisbergen. In a recent podcast, Denny Hamlin provided an additional viewpoint on the motivation behind Bubba Wallace and the No. 54 Toyota Camry driver’s tenacity on each circuit.

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While Hamlin himself is in the throes of the race, vying for the coveted number one spot and eager to add another feather to his cap, a number of other drivers have adjusted their sails, finding different motivations to fuel their race, as per Hamlin’s observation.

In his conversation with Jared Allen on the “Actions Detrimental” podcast, when quizzed about whether he’s racing for the thrill of victory or the tally of points, Hamlin unflinchingly declared, “For the win.”

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But when it came to discussing the motivations of Bubba Wallace and Tyler Gibbs, Hamlin’s verdict was a bit different.

He attested, “Oh these guys are points racing. No question, they are points racing. They are trying to get every stage point they can, which is why you saw 54 in the first stage staying out at every caution. Like every screw that, he ain’t going to give up his track position.”

Not to mention, these stage points add a generous dash of excitement to each phase of a NASCAR race, making the contest even more riveting. Whether intentional or otherwise, Hamlin did pull back the curtain on the strategies of Bubba Wallace and Tyler Gibbs.

However, Hamlin’s chat wasn’t just a treasure trove of hidden secrets. He also tipped his hat to the #23 driver, lauding him for his speed and potential for victory.

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During his chat with Jared Allen, Hamlin shed light on the new challenges presented by the next-gen cars, attributed to their revamped design and aerodynamic attributes.

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In an earlier episode of his podcast, Hamlin elucidated that guiding these next-gen automobiles toward the perimeter of the track is a challenging feat. Drivers on the outside line may experience heightened “aerodynamic pressure,” a sensation that could inadvertently steer them into the wall. This phenomenon was not typically encountered with their predecessor models or with the vehicles utilized in the Truck Series.

As per autoweek.com, the sentiment was echoed back in 2021 by NASCAR’s Executive Vice President, who opined that owing to the overall reduction of downforce and increased mechanical grip, “the cars will be harder to drive in the corners.”

However, Hamlin swiftly segued to extolling Bubba Wallace’s motoring mastery, subtly nodding towards Martin Truex Jr as well. He commented, “You know it’s so hard to pass, and so I think that now the 23 has come to the field twice. I watched him at the beginning of the race; he started right in front of me, and he methodically made his way up to almost the top 5. Then he went back and drove back up towards the front again, at the end of stage 1. So I think the 23 is very fast, 19’s very fast.”

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The conversation leaves us pondering whether these racers would have opted for their strategies to remain confidential. Does it overstep a boundary for Denny Hamlin to unveil aspects the drivers may have intended to keep private? Nonetheless, for ardent NASCAR aficionados, the inside scoop is always a delectable morsel of information.

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Neha Dwivedi

109 articles

Edited By: Ranvijay Singh

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