NASCAR driver John Hunter Nemechek has commented on the widely discussed Denny Hamlin Loudon controversy involving Joe Gibbs Racing teammates at New Hampshire Motor Speedway last Sunday, where tensions flared after an on-track incident. Nemechek, a fellow competitor in the race, shared his perspective on the situation and reflected on his own challenging outing during the event.
Incident Among Teammates Sparks Debate at New Hampshire
The Denny Hamlin Loudon controversy unfolded during Stage 2 of the Mobil 1 301, as Hamlin and Ty Gibbs, both representing Joe Gibbs Racing, vied for 11th place while Christopher Bell, another teammate, joined the struggle for position. After a tense standoff that lasted about 10 laps, Gibbs was ultimately taken out of contention following contact in the midst of racing action with Bell. This altercation led Gibbs to a Did Not Finish (DNF)—his third such result this season—while Hamlin managed to cross the line in 12th place.
John Hunter Nemechek, also competing in the field, was unaware of the specifics of the clash until after the race concluded.
“I didn’t see it until post-race on Instagram and Twitter,”
Nemechek said.
“I was pretty amazed from the teammate standpoint that he ended up wrecking him there.”
– John Hunter Nemechek, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Nemechek’s own day at the track ended prematurely, as he too was hampered by misfortune and had to settle for a 34th place finish out of 36. While missing out on the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, the Legacy Motor Club Toyota driver remains focused on chasing his first victory of the season. Nemechek’s career highlights include 11 triumphs in the Xfinity Series and 13 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series.
John Hunter Nemechek Details His Early Exit at New Hampshire
During the same event, Nemechek’s hopes for a strong finish were dashed on Lap 148 after losing control of his car. Navigating Turn 3, he encountered bumps that caused his vehicle to spin out and collide with the outside wall, prompting the sixth yellow flag of the day. He was promptly evaluated and released from the infield care center following the crash.
“I’m good. I hate it for all my guys, we were on a really good stretch the last few weeks,”
John Hunter Nemechek said during a post-race interview.
“Getting into Turn 3 under the 35, I don’t know if just when I hit the bumps, but it automatically turned sideways, and I was along for the ride. So I hate it. We were making ground on it all day.”
– John Hunter Nemechek, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“Getting better track position-wise. Now we’re going home with a wrecked race car. We’ll be back next week at Kansas,”
– John Hunter Nemechek, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
With the New Hampshire outing behind him, Nemechek currently sits 26th in the overall driver standings, amassing 585 points this season. The next test for Nemechek and his team is the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet, scheduled at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, September 28. The race will consist of 267 laps and be broadcast live on USA Network, with radio coverage from MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Looking Ahead After a Tumultuous Weekend
The aftermath of the Denny Hamlin Loudon controversy continues to generate discussion among fans and within the garage, highlighting the challenges of managing relationships among teammates under pressure. The incident at New Hampshire Motor Speedway reflects the unpredictable and turbulent nature of the NASCAR Cup Series, where even long-standing alliances can be tested on track. As the season progresses, John Hunter Nemechek and the rest of the field will shift focus toward the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway, seeking redemption and looking to avoid similar turmoil as the playoffs approach.
