Denny Hamlin warns NASCAR rival Carson Hocevar after a heated incident at the Iowa Cup Series race, expressing dissatisfaction with Hocevar’s response to a tense on-track collision and his subsequent social media behavior. The confrontation underscores ongoing friction in the Cup Series as Hamlin signals there may be further repercussions for Hocevar’s actions.
Escalating Tensions After Iowa Race Incident
Denny Hamlin addressed a recent clash involving Carson Hocevar during the NASCAR Cup Series event in Iowa, where tempers flared on and off the track. The situation escalated when Zane Smith‘s crew chief confronted Hocevar in the aftermath of the race, questioning his readiness for top-tier competition and pointing out that Hocevar, despite earning 2024 Rookie of the Year honors, had lessons yet to learn regarding respect among rivals.
Other NASCAR headlines from the weekend circulated as drivers like Kyle Busch shared frustrations over car performance and retirement news made the rounds, highlighting the gravity of events swirling in the Cup Series paddock.
Hamlin Critiques Hocevar’s Response and Social Media Presence
On his Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin asserted that the contact between Hocevar and Zane Smith was unintentional, attributing it to a racing error. He did not, however, mince words regarding Hocevar’s reaction following the incident, which included a bold message on social media inviting critics to “take a number,” set to the tune of a provocative song—a move Hamlin saw as immature and potentially damaging for Hocevar’s professional image.
Hamlin openly criticized Hocevar’s approach:
It was an accident, he got loose!
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin emphasized a preference for accountability over bravado, stating:
[But] just say, ‘sorry about that, I f****d up’ instead of saying ‘ha! Take a number’. It’s what got Joey Logano destroyed at Martinsville. Eventually you grow up.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
In a further assessment, he added:
Without a doubt, 100% he did not purposely hit Zane Smith. Your social media posts…it’s good for clicks, bad for results. And I think he’s after the clicks right now.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
When a co-host suggested Hocevar’s social activity was harmless, Hamlin sharply responded:
Of course you do, you’re not on the team! You’re gonna pay at the most inopportune time.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Comparisons With Cup Series Veterans and Warnings for the Future
Drawing on history, Hamlin compared Hocevar’s current reputation to the early careers of established drivers like Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. He pointed out that both faced similar situations before adapting their approaches for long-term success.
Brad Keselowski went through this. Joey Logano went through this. They wised up to what it takes to be successful long-term in this series.
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
While a co-host noted that achieving the career heights of Keselowski or Logano would be an accomplishment for Hocevar, Hamlin was firm in his stance that Hocevar’s current trajectory did not match those champions’ paths.
Potential Consequences and the Road Ahead
The fallout from the Iowa incident and subsequent podcast remarks has heightened scrutiny on Hocevar’s actions, both on the track and on social platforms. With Hamlin’s warning of future payback at a potentially crucial moment, the message is clear—professional respect and accountability remain essential in the high-pressure environment of the NASCAR Cup Series. As Hocevar, Zane Smith, Brad Keselowski, and others prepare for upcoming races, the spotlight is likely to focus even more intensely on driver conduct, team dynamics, and the broader implications for rivalry within NASCAR.
