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Denny Hamlin's career has had its share of interesting moments, generating various opinions from fans year after year. The 43-year-old NASCAR driver is currently not very popular with many fans, due to his approach and the role he currently plays. However, it seems that Denny enjoys having such a role and likes to provoke fans and produce reactions.
In an interview with Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck on The Teardown, the popular driver reflected on different moments in his career, particularly a time when fans changed their opinion of him. This was seven years ago, and from his current perspective, Hamlin expresses regret about that period.
“I mean, ultimately I think my – the way fans feel about me probably changed, probably, in 2017 I would say,” Hamlin said, as quoted by On3.
“That was probably, at Martinsville with Chase, that was probably one of the big defining moments for sure. Wish I could do that all over again. Certainly feel like I would have made a lot of different choices in the moment. You know, that would be the one certainly I would like to have back on the controversy, on-track side.”
The 43-year-old driver reflected on the current season, believing that it could end on a positive note, despite recent events suggesting otherwise. Hamlin's team was penalized for not complying with NASCAR engine inspection requirements, leaving him 15 points behind. However, Hamlin remains hopeful that he can make up for this deficit. He anticipates achieving something significant in the playoffs.
“I think it will if it has a positive outcome. I really can’t honestly say to you that it was something that we rallied around,” Hamlin said. “I mean, certainly, it took away 15 points when you add it all up in the regular season as well. Fifteen points every round that we lost. That’s something that’s really going to be hard to overcome, but we can."- he said.
Denny Hamlin on the charter agreement
The experienced driver not only competes for a team but also owns a team. Hamlin is fighting on two fronts, aiming to succeed in both areas. Balancing these roles is not easy, but his passion and love for the sport help him manage the challenges. During NASCAR Cup Series Media Day, Hamlin was asked by reporters about the charter discussions with NASCAR. Many were surprised when Denny admitted that negotiations regarding the charters have stalled.
The experienced driver stressed that it is essential for one side to wake up and understand the importance of the issue. He believes that is the only course of action available. While Hamlin's efforts are evident, it remains uncertain whether NASCAR is open to negotiations and in which direction things will proceed.
The 43-year-old, when asked which side should turn on and wake up, revealed that it was the other side.
23XI investor Curtis Polk surprised many when he attached a note to his shirt that read, "Please don’t ask me about my Charter. I don’t want to disparage NASCAR and lose it." Denny Hamlin, to some extent, understands such moves, emphasizing that they are a result of frustration.
During a recent podcast, Hamlin revisited Polk's action, expressing surprise at the decision and noting that Polk’s move reflects his awareness of NASCAR's philosophy and policies that discourage such actions. Hamlin remains uncertain about what might happen in the coming weeks and whether NASCAR is open to negotiations. Fans are also questioning why progress has stalled.
“I would choose not to speak about [Polk’s shirt], but it kind of speaks for itself, and I can’t believe he actually wore that. They do not want you speaking negatively, that’s a new add to the charter agreement. We’ll see how that goes.
NASCAR has got their stance and the teams have there’s. We’ll just see where this goes the next few weeks.”
Hamlin stressed that while everyone wants progress on the charter agreement, the reality is that the situation is heading in the wrong direction. He expressed that, from his perspective, his stance is truthful, but the perception of the situation may vary depending on whom you ask. Hamlin acknowledged that some teams are likely willing to accept any deal offered, while others, with more business acumen, find the terms unreasonable.
He believes that everyone involved intends to do what's best for their team and establish an agreement that will bring the most benefits. As an experienced figure in the sport, Hamlin is confident that he will make careful moves to ensure his team gets the best possible outcome. He is frustrated that he has to discuss these matters publicly and hopes that the other side will finally speak up and provide their perspective.
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