Denny Hamlin’s comments on NASCAR fines have reignited discussions around the governing body’s enforcement practices following a late-race clash between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano in Chicago. The controversy emerged after Logano was spun by Chastain near the end of the Chicago Street Race, prompting renewed scrutiny over whether NASCAR applies penalties consistently.
Hamlin Calls Out NASCAR’s Disciplinary Approach
During the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin was questioned on whether NASCAR would penalize Chastain for his role in taking out Logano late in the race. Hamlin’s response captured his ongoing frustration with what he perceives as uneven disciplinary standards within the sport.
“No, I don’t think they will,”
Denny Hamlin said.
“They don’t do that unless it’s me. Inconsistencies is the only consistency we have.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
The situation drew even more attention after Logano alleged that Chastain admitted to intentionally taking him out of contention. According to Logano, the admission should result in a penalty from NASCAR, yet there is uncertainty about whether the league will issue a fine.
Logano Demands Action After Chastain Collision
Logano shared his perspective with reporters after the race, amplifying calls for a response from NASCAR and referencing a direct confrontation following the incident. Both Chastain and Logano finished just outside the top ten, with Chastain in tenth and Logano slipping to eleventh despite the late incident. The two exchanged heated words post-race before separating, highlighting their ongoing rivalry.
“He admitted he wrecked me on purpose,”
Logano told reporters post-race, per Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports.
“He admitted it, which means he should get fined if he admittedly wrecked someone on purpose. That’s not OK. … It’s just typical Ross. He just sees red and does dumb stuff. That’s all. And that’s twice this year on road courses at the end of these things I’ve been cost by Ross. Just over it.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver
History of Tension Between Chastain and Logano
The latest clash in Chicago is not the first time Chastain and Logano have tangled. Back in March at COTA, Chastain was involved in a similar situation when he made contact with AJ Allmendinger, pushing him into Logano. That race left Chastain finishing in twelfth position while Logano fell even further back, emphasizing the ongoing competitive friction between the two drivers.
Insider Analysis Suggests Misunderstanding Led to Chicago Incident
In the aftermath, insiders and analysts have tried to make sense of Chastain’s actions. NASCAR expert Jeff Gluck, discussing the race on The Teardown podcast, questioned Chastain’s rationale for targeting Logano and added another layer to the unfolding conflict.
“So I went back and I was like, ‘Why was Ross mad at Joey?’ Joey didn’t do that, first of all,”
NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck said on The Teardown podcast. And it wasn’t like Brandon McReynolds, Ross’ spotter, came on and said, ‘The 22 just got you!’ He didn’t, I went back and listened.” —Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Analyst
“So finally, like five minutes later, they’re like, after that had already happened, they’re like, Brandon McReynolds is like, ‘Hey, just to let you know, that was the 2 who jacked up everybody there and did a kamikaze move.’ But too late then, because Ross had already dumped Logano. And that’s when (Ricky) Stenhouse got his damage, too. And then Stenhouse has a smashing watermelons gif on X afterwards.”
—Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Analyst
What This Means Heading into the Playoffs
As both Chastain and Logano are already race winners this season, their playoff spots are assured, setting the stage for more confrontations as the stakes rise toward the end of August. The unresolved issues, combined with Hamlin’s public challenge to NASCAR’s consistency in handing out fines, add further intrigue for fans and competitors alike.
This incident once again brings NASCAR’s disciplinary systems under scrutiny, especially from influential voices like Denny Hamlin, and raises the question of whether the governing body will respond decisively or continue along its current path. The developments from Chicago are likely to carry over into the postseason battles, with both driver relations and enforcement practices in the spotlight.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. After starting his full-time career in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved legendary status. He has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed victory in the prestigious Daytona 500 three times (2016, 2019, 2020), accumulating significant earnings over the years.
Q. Why did Denny Hamlin sue NASCAR?
A. Late last year, 23XI and Front Row took legal action against NASCAR when they declined to accept new charter renewal agreements. They requested a temporary court order to maintain their status as chartered teams for the current season. However, on Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, decided in favor of NASCAR.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. He has amassed a large fortune of $65 million through his career earnings, endorsements, owning part of a team, and real estate investments.
Hamlin’s financial success is driven by substantial NASCAR race winnings and contracts.
He also benefits from long-standing sponsorships with companies such as FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. How Hamlin Made His Fortune: ✔ Earned large sums from NASCAR victories and contracts. ✔ Secured long-term sponsorships with companies such as FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota. ✔ Partnered with Michael Jordan to co-own 23XI Racing, expanding his role into business.
