The ongoing Denny Hamlin NASCAR driver controversy has sparked heated debate across the motorsports community, as veteran driver Jimmy Spencer publicly criticized Hamlin’s decision to bring Riley Herbst into the Cup Series. The controversy reached new heights after Spencer’s blunt remarks ignited passionate responses from fans and industry insiders, splitting opinion over what standards should define modern NASCAR talent.
Spencer’s Harsh Verdict on New Generation Drivers
Jimmy Spencer, known for his no-nonsense takes, recently voiced his deep frustration with NASCAR’s current direction and criticized how the pathway for new drivers has shifted. Contrasting today’s approach with the era of Bill France, Spencer asserted that the sport has lost its edge as teams increasingly select drivers from polished development programs rather than grassroots racing.
During a heated appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Spencer did not hesitate to voice his skepticism about Riley Herbst’s readiness for Cup Series competition.
We need to get the talent from the dirt cars, the Flo racing. You know, I mean, the other thing that I believe in is that that shows the talent. I mean, who’s that Riley Herbst? That poor son of a bi–h can’t drive nothing,
Spencer commented, making his position abundantly clear.
This remark, including Spencer’s candid
son of a bi–h can’t drive
assessment, quickly drew sharp reactions throughout the NASCAR fan base. Some celebrated his old-school candor, while others criticized the harshness and questioned whether his perspective was outdated in an evolving sport.
The critique was largely rooted in Herbst’s challenging rookie season, highlighted by significant setbacks such as a disqualification at the Charlotte Roval over weight inspection issues, which dropped him from a decent finish to last place. Further struggles at Talladega, where Herbst ended up relegated to the rear of the field after inspection problems alongside John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones, added to the skepticism.
Spencer’s underlying argument is that drivers like Herbst have bypassed the grit-building environment of dirt tracks, jumping directly from the Xfinity Series to Cup racing without earning enough real-world experience. Echoing his discontent with the trend, Spencer also remarked,
I think that they really did a lot to subdue the drivers. And in turn, I think that the last few years, the drivers have become so freaking boring,
lamenting the loss of unpredictable and bold personalities in top-level racing.
Having built his own reputation in ARCA through fierce competition, Spencer now watches Herbst, piloting the #71 Toyota, finishing outside the top 25 across 34 starts. For him and others with similar views, this symbolizes the dilution of what once defined true NASCAR racers. The debate is further intensified by 23XI Racing’s controversial call to select Herbst for its third car in 2025 over Corey Heim, despite Heim’s noteworthy achievements in the Truck Series and Xfinity. With off-track charter disputes swirling between 23XI Racing and NASCAR, Hamlin’s move has been interpreted by some as a commercial gamble, banking on Herbst’s Las Vegas background to appeal to new audiences.
Fan Reaction Splits the Community
Spencer’s hard-edged comments ripped through the NASCAR community, triggering debates in garages and online forums alike. While some agreed with his critical view on how drivers are selected today, others pushed back with alternative perspectives.
One fan offered a broader context:
There have been many worse drivers than Riley come into the Cup Series.
The comparison drew parallels to drivers like Derrike Cope, who endured subpar performances for years before achieving an unexpected victory at Daytona. Riley Herbst, at just 23 years old, embodies a similar trajectory, entering Cup racing with flashes of promise but without consistent top finishes—though his 2024 Xfinity Series win at Phoenix demonstrated his racing maturity.
Herbst did earn recognition for maintaining composure during the high-stakes Talladega race.
I will give Riley props for this past weekend; he could’ve junked the whole field but held onto the car, and everyone was able to get around,
a fan observed, praising Herbst’s ability to keep the playoff battle intact amidst chaos. Moments like these underscore that even inexperienced drivers can exhibit the grit needed at NASCAR’s highest level.
However, doubts remain:
Dude was a decent Xfinity driver but is nowhere close to being Cup-level talent.
Critics point to Herbst’s 2024 Xfinity record—two victories and seven top-five finishes—but note that his average Cup result sits at 26th. The situation brings to mind Ty Dillon, whose own move from trucks to Cup was marked by similar struggles in his early years with little immediate payoff.
Those supporting Herbst cited mitigating circumstances unique to his rookie year. As one defender wrote:
Herbst is the punching bag this year but he’s a rookie with a rookie CC and is a rookie in a series where the cars are very different from the ones he has driven (and won in) in the Xfinity series. 23XI being embroiled in litigation all year also can’t have helped things. His results haven’t been good, but I think people are just piling on at this point.
This defense points to the added complexity of an unsettled team situation, with 23XI’s ongoing charter fight likely impacting resources and focus. Rookie crew chief Davin Restivo’s inexperience mirrors the early Furniture Row days before Martin Truex Jr.’s breakthrough, showing that early Cup struggles aren’t always a sign of limited potential.
Podcast Episode Amplifies Spotlight and Debate
The Door Bumper Clear episode featuring Spencer’s explosive appearance further fueled the conversation about NASCAR’s direction. A listener reflected the response to his unpredictable style:
This was the best DBC episode of the year. Jimmy is a total wild card, and you never know what he’ll say. He should be on the show every week. His donkey laugh is maddening and fantastic,
capturing the mix of shock, entertainment, and nostalgia Spencer brings to fan discussions.
His continued raw commentary, including recent outbursts targeting drivers like Austin Hill after Talladega, has kept podcasts like Door Bumper Clear must-listen media within the racing subculture. For some in the sport, unchecked personalities like Spencer symbolize a link to NASCAR’s wilder roots, providing a counterbalance to the sanitized image criticized by many long-time fans.
Significance for NASCAR’s Ongoing Identity Battle
The Denny Hamlin NASCAR driver controversy, inflamed by Spencer’s pointed challenge, reflects a much deeper conversation within the sport about the qualities that should define its stars. The presence of younger drivers like Riley Herbst, who follow paths shaped by modern developmental programs instead of grassroots circuits, has become a lightning rod for debate. For veterans like Spencer, nostalgia for the days of dirt track apprenticeships and hard-earned reputations contrasts sharply with the corporate, image-driven reality facing today’s teams.
As 23XI and Denny Hamlin continue their gamble with Herbst through a turbulent rookie campaign, the outcome may ultimately help determine whether the new model for NASCAR drivers can deliver competitive results and inspire fan loyalty. The clash of tradition versus progress, amplified by media figures and the passionate NASCAR fandom, ensures that this controversy will continue to shape conversations well beyond a single season.
[DBC 30:00] Jimmy Spencer on @rileyherbst: “That poor SOB can’t drive nothing” (via u/LBHMS) https://t.co/9jWpoepCH7 https://t.co/BGJIyl6fHK #NASCAR
— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) October 21, 2025
