- Denny Hamlin Calls for NASCAR Action After Chaotic read more…
Denny Hamlin has voiced strong criticism of NASCAR’s handling of incidents on the track following a controversial and chaotic finish at Martinsville Speedway over the weekend. Although Hamlin enjoyed a dominant victory in Sunday’s Cup Series race, taking his first win of the 2025 season and his first-ever win at Martinsville in a decade, the real talking point for him was the earlier incident in Saturday’s Xfinity Series race.
The US Marine Corps 250, part of the Xfinity Series, ended in a contentious manner, with Sammy Smith intentionally wrecking Taylor Gray late in the race. The incident happened deep into overtime, and it not only took both drivers out of contention for the victory but also led to a massive chain reaction that ruined the race for others involved. The reckless driving displayed during this altercation sparked a wave of backlash from fans, drivers, and commentators alike. However, it was Hamlin’s post-race comments that have stirred the most conversation.
Hamlin’s Critical Response
Hamlin, who was observing the Xfinity race closely, did not hold back when discussing the controversial end to the event. Taking to social media, he expressed his dismay at the antics he witnessed, referring to the actions of some drivers as “horrible” and calling them “idiots.” The incident clearly left a lasting impact on him, as it reflected a growing problem of unchecked aggressive driving in NASCAR, particularly when tensions are high and the stakes are significant.
As the conversation about the race escalated, Hamlin made it clear that this issue was more than just an isolated event. He argued that NASCAR needed to take more aggressive steps to address such situations. Hamlin pointed to a wider trend of increasingly erratic and unsafe driving, particularly at key moments in races. He noted that while these kinds of incidents used to be more common during green-white-checkered finishes — typically at the end of races when drivers are desperate to make a final push — they have become more frequent throughout the race.
“I think it’s continued to ramp up,” Hamlin said when asked about the incident. “It used to only happen on green-white-checkered finishes. Now, it seems like drivers are losing their minds with 20 or even 50 laps to go, making reckless moves like we saw yesterday.” Hamlin went on to explain how these dangerous moves affect the integrity of the sport, and how NASCAR should take stronger action to curb such behavior.
NASCAR’s Role and the Call for Black Flags
Hamlin’s comments made it clear that he believes NASCAR has not done enough to deter the kind of aggressive driving that leads to such incidents. In particular, he expressed frustration with how the sanctioning body has handled similar situations in the past, and he emphasized the importance of taking action to maintain the safety and fairness of the sport.
“NASCAR needs to get involved a little bit and step in on egregious things,” Hamlin explained. “This kind of driving is not acceptable. It’s dangerous for everyone out there, and it’s just not a good look for the sport.” His statement highlights a growing sentiment among some drivers that NASCAR should not only address issues after the fact but should implement measures to prevent such reckless actions before they escalate.
One specific action Hamlin called for was the use of the black flag, which is typically reserved for severe cases of unsportsmanlike conduct or dangerous driving. A black flag essentially forces a driver to leave the race, and Hamlin argued that NASCAR should be more willing to use it when necessary. “Certainly, you shouldn’t be able to just wipe someone out egregiously like what happened at the end of the race yesterday,” Hamlin stated. “We have a black flag for a reason, and I think we should start using it more often.”
A Growing Concern for NASCAR
Hamlin’s plea for stronger disciplinary actions is not just a reaction to one isolated incident but is reflective of a larger trend within the sport. Over the past few seasons, NASCAR has seen an uptick in aggressive driving and on-track incidents, some of which have raised concerns about driver safety and the overall integrity of the racing product. As the competition has become more intense, the willingness of drivers to take risky maneuvers has also increased, sometimes with dangerous consequences.
Many of Hamlin’s peers have echoed similar sentiments, expressing concern over the future of the sport if these reckless behaviors are allowed to continue unchecked. The growing presence of social media and fan engagement has also amplified the scrutiny on NASCAR, pushing the sanctioning body to take a closer look at how incidents are handled both during and after the race.
Conclusion
Denny Hamlin’s call for action after the Martinsville incident reflects a broader concern within the NASCAR community about the rising levels of aggressive driving and the safety of its competitors. As the sport continues to evolve and as the stakes rise with each race, the pressure on NASCAR to enforce stricter penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct is likely to grow. Hamlin’s statement serves as a reminder that, while thrilling to watch, NASCAR must balance excitement with responsibility — ensuring that the integrity of the sport and the safety of its drivers remain paramount.
