The Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin feud in Michigan race erupted during Sunday’s Cup Series action at Michigan, drawing attention as both drivers tangled for position after a heated restart. The incident intensified first on Lap 58 when contact between Larson and Hamlin sent both back in the field and sparked a pointed exchange and fan reactions across social media platforms.
Tempers Flare After Aggressive Racing Duel
During Stage 2’s restart, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin fiercely competed for sixth place, with Larson driving hard on Hamlin’s inside. As their cars touched, Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota nearly spun out, prompting both drivers to lose positions on the leaderboard. The altercation led to a memorable on-air moment when Kyle Larson voiced his frustration:
“Look out the [expletive] windshield, Denny, instead of the [expletive] mirror,”
—Kyle Larson, 2021 Cup Series Champion
The fallout from this clash quickly spread online, with fans voicing opinions about which driver was at fault. One user commented:
“when Larson almost gets himself crashed because he stayed on someone’s door to make them lift…”
—User, Social Media
This spark was fanned further by others who recognized the return of a familiar rivalry:
“The summer Hamlin/Larson feud is back,”
—User, Social Media
Fans Weigh In As Rivalry Heats Up
The incident drew a mix of criticism and humor from the racing community. Some fans poked fun at both drivers’ tactics and mentalities:
“I’m gonna use this clip until Denny retires.”
—Fan, Social Media
“Larson the baby hates hard racing,”
—Person, Social Media
Several responses highlighted perceived hypocrisy and ongoing tension:
“What’s he complaining about? Denny just did what Larson has done a thousand times.”
—User, Social Media
Others called out the reputations of Larson and Hamlin in the competitive NASCAR landscape:
“Pot meet kettle, 5 is the most overrated driver in the world 😂”
—User, Social Media
“Then he goes and does the same thing to Ty. Class act,”
—User, Social Media
The debate continued, focusing on driving style and accountability:
“Larson is a whiny little baby, if Denny was looking out the windshield and not worried about the 5, Kyle would have been in the wall. He lifted to save them both. Typical larson meltdown.”
—User, Social Media
Some users saw humor and irony in the situation, referencing previous accidents:
“Larson is very experienced in crashing so this might actually be some valuable advice for Denny to consider,”
—Account, Social Media
Race Progress and Standings Amid Controversy
Despite the on-track altercation, Larson managed to recover quickly following the setback, working his way up to fourth place by the middle stages of the event before eventually falling back again around Lap 122. William Byron emerged at the front of the pack during the FireKeepers Casino 400, with Carson Hocevar, Austin Cindric, and Tyler Reddick close behind and pressing for the lead spot on the Michigan oval.
The clash at Michigan is the latest in a series of run-ins involving passionate Cup drivers like Larson and Hamlin, whose aggressive styles often put them in direct competition and at odds on the circuit. The response seen from fans, as well as the continuation of rivalries such as these, underscores how deeply invested the NASCAR audience is in both the sport and its personalities.
With ongoing conflicts like that between Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, and as the season progresses through races like the FireKeepers Casino 400, observers can expect further drama on track. These incidents not only affect current race outcomes but also set the stage for future confrontations among top competitors across iconic venues, from Michigan to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
