Denny Hamlin, at the center of the latest Denny Hamlin playoff controversy, is dealing with intense criticism after a pivotal move during the Charlotte Roval race on Sunday. Hamlin’s late-race pass of Ross Chastain contributed to the Trackhouse Racing driver missing the NASCAR playoffs’ Round of 8, raising questions from fans about Hamlin’s awareness and intent during the closing laps.
Critical Pass at Charlotte Sparks Debate
During the elimination race on the Charlotte road course, Ross Chastain ran just above the playoff cutline as laps dwindled. On the final lap, Denny Hamlin overtook Chastain, which resulted in both Chastain and Joey Logano being tied in points. Chastain’s aggressive attempt to reclaim the spot led to a spin involving Hamlin in the last corner. As a result, Chastain fell four points short and was eliminated from the playoffs, while Logano advanced.
The racing community reacted quickly after NASCAR reporter Noah Lewis posted a video clip of Hamlin from the road course. Fans took to social media to voice their opinions, many accusing Hamlin of intentionally ousting Chastain and questioning whether the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was truly unaware of the scenario unfolding around him.
Social Media Fans Question Hamlin’s Intentions
Most frustrations focused on Hamlin’s possible knowledge of the points battle as events unfolded during the elimination race. Fans analyzed body language, strategy, and radio silence for clues to Hamlin’s thinking and intent.
“I would have not passed him,”
Denny Hamlin said. — Denny Hamlin, Driver
Some fans doubted Hamlin’s claim of ignorance, questioning both his behavior during the race and his conversation with crew chief Chris Gayle. One fan said:
“Imo he knew. The way he looks at the camera multiple times during this conversation. Like he is trying to cover his tracks. Why did he wait behind the 1 for almost 2 laps? Why did he run the final corner so slow?”
— Unattributed Fan
Further speculation grew over the aggressive nature of Hamlin’s pass. Another fan wrote:
“Was wondering why he was so aggressive to pass the 1 when he could’ve eliminated the 22 (Logano),”
a fan wrote. — Unattributed Fan
Comments continued, with some fans expressing cynicism about transparency in NASCAR communications:
“Nascar has controlled drivers and teams statements to the point no one can be honest,”
another replied. — Unattributed Fan
One particularly frustrated response read:
“How the hell does he not know???? It really would have BENEFITED him to NOT pass Ross as it would have knocked out dipstick Lagano!!!”
another commented. — Unattributed Fan
Others contended that with Hamlin’s experience, he was certainly aware of the scenario. A fan reasoned:
“DH is smart. He knew the 45 (Tyler Reddivk), 23 (Bubba Wallace), and 2 (Austin Cindric) had to win. No way he didn’t know that by end of Stage 2. Also knew where they were on last restart so no chance to win. That leaves the 22 and the 1. No one needed to tell him anything.”
— Unattributed Fan
NASCAR Rules and Radio Communication Under Scrutiny
The debate expanded beyond Hamlin’s on-track actions, touching on the boundaries between competitive driving and race manipulation. Not passing Chastain might have been perceived as manipulating the playoffs, an issue NASCAR closely monitors, particularly in high-stakes elimination rounds.
Pit crew member Bozi Tatarevic weighed in, noting that crew chief Chris Gayle was correct to remain silent over the radio during the tense closing moments. This cautious approach was influenced by precedent from last season’s Martinsville race, when NASCAR penalized Christopher Bell after suspect radio communications led officials to review teams’ messaging to ensure fair competition and adherence to regulations.
Hamlin Advances, Looks Ahead to Round of 8
Despite the swirling Denny Hamlin playoff controversy, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver advanced to the Round of 8 by finishing 23rd at the Charlotte Roval, now leading the playoff standings. Hamlin addressed the communication question, emphasizing that he received no guidance on playoff scenarios during the race and lamented the lack of information to make the best strategic choice for his advancement.
“I wish I would have known what the last lap scenario was, and then I could make the best decision for me. Listening to the radio the whole time, there was just crickets. Nobody told me anything,”
Denny Hamlin said, via Motorsport.com. — Denny Hamlin, Driver
Next Up: Las Vegas and Playoff Implications
As the playoff field resets for the next round, all focus shifts to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Joey Logano secured victory last season. The controversy surrounding Hamlin’s Charlotte Roval move remains a point of contention as fans, analysts, and industry insiders alike watch to see how drivers, teams, and NASCAR officials handle communication, transparency, and sportsmanship through the remainder of the postseason.
The intense reactions highlight the unique pressures present in NASCAR’s playoff format and the complexities drivers like Hamlin face under scrutiny—not only from officials but also from a passionate, watchful audience. The outcome of these situations will shape both competitive strategy and fan perception as the championship run continues.
Smart move by Gayle not to say anything considering how radio communications are monitored and everything that happened at Martinsville last year. https://t.co/4FY09Nb4WR
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) October 6, 2025
Was wondering why he was so aggressive to pass the 1 when he could've eliminated the 22
— Jwbost (@jwbost) October 5, 2025
Agree, Nascar has controlled drivers and teams statements to the point no one can be honest.
— Centristraceday (@centristraceday) October 6, 2025
That’s my take, how the hell does he not know???? It really would have BENEFITED him to NOT pass Ross as it would have knocked out dipstick Lagano!!!
— bgriff388 (@bgriff388) October 5, 2025
Agree. DH is smart. He knew the 45,23,and 2 had to win. No way he didn’t know that by end of Stage 2. Also knew where they were on last restart so no chance to win. That leaves the 22 and the 1. No one needed to tell him anything.
— Kristi Small (@crazyboutsports) October 6, 2025
