Denny Hamlin has openly acknowledged his embrace of the Denny Hamlin NASCAR villain role, particularly following Kyle Busch‘s shift away from the controversial spotlight. The seasoned driver, recognized for both his track successes and off-track confrontations, has recently become a central figure in storylines that shape the future of the sport.
Racing Achievements and Notable Clashes Highlight Hamlin’s Season
Throughout the 2025 season, Hamlin delivered standout performances, collecting six race victories and matching Kevin Harvick for tenth place on NASCAR’s all-time wins chart. This historic period also saw him surpass the milestone of 60 career wins, placing him alongside NASCAR’s elite. However, Hamlin’s run was not without turbulence. His aggressive driving style led to numerous tense episodes with rivals, most notably an incident involving Bubba Wallace, his own 23XI Racing driver. While leading a crucial race, Wallace was hit by Hamlin, creating an opening for Chase Elliott, who capitalized on the situation and ultimately claimed victory. Although Wallace voiced his disappointment with Hamlin’s actions, the drivers addressed and resolved their differences in private, ensuring team dynamics were maintained.
Hamlin’s Reflection on the Villain Persona
The conversation around Hamlin’s image intensified when Dirty Mo Media resurfaced a clip from his Actions Detrimental podcast. During a lively exchange with Kyle Busch, Hamlin commented on assuming Busch’s prior antagonistic reputation within NASCAR fan circles.
“I’ve somewhat taken your villain role. It’s somewhat fun to me.”
— Denny Hamlin, Podcast Host and Driver
Busch responded to Hamlin’s reflection with his perspective on the sport’s changing narratives:
“When you can have the clout to be able to back up what you say, you can act the fool all you want because you can back it up. I have nothing to back it up right now, so I had to put the black hat on the shelf and pull off the white one,”
Busch retorted. — Kyle Busch, Driver
Hamlin recounted a particularly memorable moment, highlighting the public’s shifting perceptions:
“I’ll never forget we were there for the NASCAR 75 Greatest Drivers thing,”
Denny Hamlin added,
“Kyle is getting cheered and I just get, I mean, just booed out of the place. Carl [Edwards] is like. Wait a minute what happened since I’ve been gone. You know, Kyle’s all of a sudden the good guy?”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver
Legal Battles and Team Advocacy Off the Track
Away from the race course, Hamlin found himself at the heart of NASCAR’s high-profile antitrust trial. Taking the witness stand, he delivered an emotional account detailing his beginnings in stock car racing. The eventual settlement of the long-running dispute yielded significant changes, which fortified the position of Hamlin’s team, 23XI Racing, and signaled a shift in power balances within the sport.
Public Disputes with Analysts and NASCAR Personalities
Hamlin’s role as an outspoken advocate did not end with court decisions. He remained active on social media, most recently challenging SiriusXM’s Larry McReynolds for previous statements about 23XI’s lawsuit. McReynolds, a veteran NASCAR crew chief, had originally downplayed concerns over competitive fairness in the league’s charter system, referencing acceptance by powerhouse teams like Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Hendrick Motorsports (HMS).
After the settlement was finalized, Hamlin called out McReynolds on X, seeking an on-air correction:
“Good morning. Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed,”
Hamlin wrote in an X post. — Denny Hamlin, Driver and Team Owner
Reception from NASCAR Fans and the Road Ahead
Many in the NASCAR community hailed Hamlin’s efforts, viewing him as a champion for driver teams and their supporters. Following news of the settlement, Hamlin was widely acknowledged by fans who appreciated his willingness to challenge established authorities and negotiate favorable terms not only for his team, but for others across the organization.
As Denny Hamlin continues to carve out his identity as both a dominant competitor on the racetrack and an assertive voice for change off it, the narrative of the Denny Hamlin NASCAR villain role appears to have evolved into a strategic and, at times, necessary position—one that may influence team politics and fan engagement for seasons to come.
It wouldn’t be #BestOfADDH2025 without taking a page from Kyle Busch’s Villain Manual. 😈 pic.twitter.com/R2x0qxjlO9
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) December 27, 2025
