Denny Hamlin vs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. The Controversial Take That Shook NASCAR Fans
The 2025 Cup Series season has barely begun, but Denny Hamlin is already sparking controversy. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver made bold comments about the state of superspeedway racing, which has left fans buzzing. On the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin expressed that neither Dale Earnhardt Sr. nor Dale Earnhardt Jr. would have been successful in modern-day superspeedway racing.
Hamlin’s Provocative Take on Earnhardt Legacy
Hamlin’s remarks were blunt: “Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. would have never survived today’s superspeedway racing. Wouldn’t have done it. They wouldn’t have been as successful because of how superspeedway racing happens today.” Hamlin also criticized the current drafting limitations, saying, “But then, to be told who you can and can’t draft with. It’s nonsense. But it’s the world we live in.”
Although Hamlin clarified that his intention wasn’t to attack the Earnhardt legacy, fans on social media weren’t buying it. When Dirty Mo Media shared a clip of the podcast, asking, “Would Dale Earnhardt be able to win with today’s superspeedway package?” it didn’t take long for passionate fans to retaliate.
Earnhardt Fans Hit Back Hard
On social media, fans quickly took to defending Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. One fan responded, “The greats will always be able to adjust and overcome obstacles. You put any great driver in a car from any era, and they will figure it out.” Fans were adamant that no matter the era, the Earnhardt legacy could not be denied.
Others pointed to Dale Jr.’s own dominance on superspeedways. He secured 10 wins at Daytona and Talladega, including two iconic Daytona 500 victories. With these achievements in mind, fans criticized Hamlin’s comments, claiming his argument lacked substance.
A History of Success on Superspeedways
Dale Jr. isn’t just a figure of nostalgia—his success on superspeedways is legendary. Along with his victories, he also finished as the runner-up nine times at these historic tracks. His ability to adapt to changing racing conditions and thrive in the pack-style racing of the past is undeniable. These feats left many questioning Hamlin’s assessment of the modern-day superspeedway.
One fan retorted, “Jesus, Hamlin is either ridiculously stupid or has severe memory loss. Jr.’s best drafting partner was Stewart, who raced for JGR. Jr. didn’t care who he raced with if it meant getting to the front.”
Hamlin Walks Back His Statement
Faced with a fierce backlash, Hamlin quickly attempted to clarify his remarks. In response to the flood of angry reactions, he stated, “A little misleading question there. I’m basically saying they would hate today’s style of drafting and would not be as successful as they were.” Hamlin emphasized that the Earnhardts, especially Dale Jr., thrived in an era of different drafting techniques and racing strategies, which simply aren’t applicable in the current NASCAR landscape.
The Era of Drafting Changes: A Modern Challenge for Earnhardts
Hamlin’s point wasn’t just about disrespecting the Earnhardt family; he was highlighting how today’s superspeedway racing is vastly different from the “slam draft” days and tandem racing strategies that defined earlier eras. In modern racing, drivers are forced to team up based on manufacturer alliances rather than personal choice, significantly changing the dynamics of the race.
For Dale Earnhardt Sr., known for his legendary aggression and unyielding will to win, the current environment would have been a tough pill to swallow. Similarly, Dale Jr.’s success was built on a more independent style of racing, and having to conform to today’s more structured team strategies would undoubtedly have been frustrating.
A Legacy Challenged: Fans React to Hamlin’s Words
In the end, while Hamlin’s words were designed to reflect his view on the evolution of superspeedway racing, they ignited a fierce debate. NASCAR fans are fiercely protective of the Earnhardt legacy, and any perceived slight is met with strong reactions. The incident serves as a reminder that while the sport evolves, the legendary status of figures like Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans. Whether they would have thrived in today’s racing environment is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure—the Earnhardt name will continue to stir strong emotions for years to come.
