Denny Hamlin responded quickly and humorously to Ryan Blaney’s viral nickname joke that set the NASCAR community abuzz this past Sunday, just after intense racing action at Texas Motor Speedway. The exchange, which unfolded following a NASCAR-themed social media post, has rapidly gained traction among fans for its playful tone amid an already heated Cup Series season.
The incident began when the NASCAR-sanctioned troll page NASCARASM posted on X, suggesting that both Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch share an explicit fan-created middle name, famously known as “KFB” (Kyle F**king Busch) for Busch and “RFB” (Ryan F**king Blaney) for Blaney. The RFB nickname became popular through Blaney’s now-wife, Gianna Tulio, during the first season of “Full Speed.” Hamlin, a veteran driver and 23XI Racing co-owner, took notice of this joke and replied with a witty comment, highlighting that the phrase had “been around for ages.” Blaney, showing off his own sharp humor, fired back with another lighthearted remark, fueling the exchange and entertaining NASCAR fans across social media platforms.
While their social media banter provided light relief, both drivers have been locked in fierce competition this season. Denny Hamlin currently holds third place in the Cup Series driver’s points standings, amassing 338 points through two wins, six top-ten, and five top-five finishes across eleven starts. Ryan Blaney remains seventh in the standings, tallying five top-ten and four top-five finishes. Earlier in the season, Blaney secured pole position at Atlanta Motor Speedway, underscoring his consistent performance, but he has also endured four DNFs so far, reflecting a season full of highs and lows.
Sunday’s intense Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway saw Blaney aiming for redemption after describing “dumb decisions” that he believed cost him a shot at victory, despite having one of the fastest cars in the field. Starting from P24, Blaney powered through to the top ten by the end of Stage Two, finishing eighth, before advancing to the top five with only eighty laps remaining. During a pivotal green flag pit cycle, Blaney opted to pit under caution on lap 222, timing his stop as the yellow flag waved for an accident involving Jesse Love. The race’s momentum shifted again on lap 258, when Blaney, choosing not to use the outside lane— a strategy that had previously worked for him— watched as teammate Joey Logano seized the lead and ultimately claimed his 37th Cup Series win, while Blaney ended the race in third place, earning 37 points.
Speaking candidly with the media via SpeedwayDigest.com, Ryan Blaney expressed frustration with his late-race decision-making, highlighting how the fast pace of NASCAR leaves little margin for error. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin’s quick wit online reinforced his veteran presence both on and off the track, winning praise for turning competition into camaraderie. Their banter, rooted in longstanding rivalries and shared respect, fascinated fans while signaling a healthy, competitive spirit in the series this year.
The playful exchange between Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney underscores not only the personal rivalries at play in NASCAR but also the lighter side of the sport, where top-tier competitors can poke fun even amid high stakes. As the season advances, their interactions could drive further excitement among fans, keeping the conversation lively both on race day and across social media. In a season marked by intense competition and high emotions, moments like these illustrate how drivers like Denny Hamlin bring both conflict and camaraderie to the forefront of NASCAR drama, leaving everyone eager to see what happens next on and off the track.
