Denny Hamlin Reveals Shocking Reason He Didn’t “Push” Chase Elliott for the Win

In the heart of NASCAR’s 2025 season opener, Denny Hamlin had one goal: to claim victory at the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. However, that dream slipped through his fingers when Chase Elliott overtook him and never looked back. Despite his efforts, Hamlin found himself reflecting on a key moment in the race where his strategy led to a missed opportunity.

A Strategic Mistake: Should Hamlin Have Been More Aggressive?

When Chase Elliott passed Hamlin, the veteran driver initially tried to stay patient, thinking he could reclaim the lead through his natural racing skills. However, after a few laps, he admitted that he should’ve been more aggressive. Hamlin revealed in his Actions Detrimental podcast that his hesitation to make a more forceful move was a critical mistake. “Once I lost the lead, I spent five laps really trying to get it back. I should’ve just moved him out of the way, like he moved me out of the way.”

Hamlin’s approach was based on the assumption that he could regain control of the race without resorting to aggressive tactics. In hindsight, that decision cost him the chance at victory, especially when he lost grip in his car, giving Elliott a clear advantage.

The Clash: The Perfect Time for Aggression

Reflecting on the race, Hamlin acknowledged that Bowman Gray was the ideal place to be aggressive. It’s a track known for its short, tight corners and fierce competition, which often leads to heated battles for the lead. Hamlin realized that, if there was ever a time to show aggressive racing, The Clash would’ve been it.

Chase Elliott’s Bold Move: A Lesson in Aggression

Interestingly, Elliott himself was very open about his aggressive move to pass Hamlin. During his post-race interview, Elliott admitted that he had to push Hamlin out of the way to get back in control of the race. Elliott added, “I knew that if I didn’t do that, I wasn’t going to win. If Denny chose to knock me back out of the way, I would’ve had to live with it, but I had to make my move.”

This exchange of tactics highlighted the very nature of short-track racing: sometimes, you have to make bold moves to seize control, even if it means getting physical with your competitor. Hamlin’s reluctance to do so ultimately cost him the win.

Hamlin’s Regret: A Learning Experience for the Future

In the end, Hamlin’s takeaway from the race was clear: in certain situations, aggression is key. He admitted that he should’ve been more aggressive when the opportunity presented itself. However, he also accepted that this race was a learning experience. Hamlin said, “Next time, I’ll know when to make the move. It’s part of the sport.”

Despite his regret, Hamlin’s ability to reflect on his performance shows his maturity as a driver. It’s clear that this missed opportunity won’t hold him back from making the aggressive moves needed to succeed in the future.

Looking Ahead: The Clash as a Blueprint for Future Wins

Denny Hamlin’s experience at Bowman Gray is a lesson for every racer out there. Aggression may not always be the most graceful tactic, but sometimes it’s the only path to victory. As the NASCAR season progresses, fans can expect Hamlin to be more aggressive, knowing that opportunities like The Clash don’t come around every day. His regret may have cost him the win this time, but it will surely fuel his determination moving forward.