Denny Hamlin has issued an emphatic message to drivers ahead of the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway, calling for racers outside the title fight to avoid unnecessary incidents that could alter the championship outcome. In sharing his stance, Hamlin made his views clear on how competitors should handle the crucial closing laps, highlighting the importance of allowing the race to finish with minimal disruption.
Hamlin Calls for Clean Racing in Phoenix Finale
While only four drivers will contend for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, the remainder of the field still plays a significant role. Hamlin’s Denny Hamlin NASCAR Phoenix message was delivered especially for those far down the leaderboard in the late stages, urging them not to bring out cautions that aren’t warranted.
“bring out a caution for no particular reason,”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
During his Monday appearance on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin emphasized that drivers positioned around 20th or worse with 30-50 laps to go should simply see the race to its end when no major stakes are left for them. He articulated that a late caution can have championship-altering effects and pleaded for restraint among competitors.
“Once you get inside 30, 50 laps to go and you’re like 20th or worse, by the way this weekend, do me a favor and please don’t bring out a caution for no particular reason. Like, let’s just get it to the finish, fellas. You gotta see the finish line,”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
“You wanna let these things play our naturally but sometimes, a caution does come out late and that is what’s natural.”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
The Impact of Late-Race Cautions in Championship Events
Championship races heighten the pressure for every driver and team on the racetrack. While four racers will vie for NASCAR’s highest prize, the actions of over 30 other participants remain highly consequential. Unexpected late-race cautions have often shifted who claims the season’s ultimate victory, a lesson echoed by memorable moments involving drivers such as Carl Edwards. The unpredictable nature of racing, coupled with this potential for late drama, underscores Hamlin’s anxiety about losing a championship opportunity due to external factors.
Referencing Recent Incidents and Manufacturer Alliances
The intensity of Hamlin’s comments was amplified by a recent scenario at Martinsville Speedway, where Carson Hocevar triggered a caution late in Stage 3, affecting the race’s final outcome. Hamlin made it clear he wants to avoid a similar fate at Phoenix, particularly considering the stakes for himself and others fighting for the championship.
“You’re willing to risk being in the headline being responsible for the final caution when it’s your manufacturer leading and your associate cars that you have a tight alliance with and you’re back there playing grabass for 20th something? No way,”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
“I’m just saying down and distance, at some point you have to realize, OK, at Spire, you have an affiliation with Hendrick, and you surely know the 24 [William Byron] is winning the race and you’re back there wrecking each other?”
Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
What’s at Stake for NASCAR and Its Drivers
Hamlin’s direct message reflects the charged and uneasy atmosphere heading into Phoenix, as the Cup Series championship often hinges on split-second decisions from every team on track. With William Byron, Carson Hocevar, and others referenced as examples, the focus remains fixed on fair competition and avoiding controversial race-altering incidents. As the field prepares for one of the season’s most consequential races, Hamlin’s plea is a reminder of how every decision, no matter a driver’s position, can shape NASCAR history at Phoenix Raceway.
