Known for his outspokenness on various issues across the NASCAR garage, Denny Hamlin found himself in the midst of a heated argument with NASCAR reporters on social media. The topic in the spotlight was the qualifying metrics. 

The whole debate began after The RACER’s Kelly Crandall put out a post on her social media account about the qualifying metrics no longer serving their intended purpose. She also spoke about how the sport probably needs to do a random draw to start a fresh race weekend. The NASCAR reporter, Toby Christie, soon joined the debate as he agreed with Crandall.

Hamlin soon joined the debate as he disagreed with the two reporters. He spoke about how the sport has multiple rules in place to help those at the back of the grid during qualifying.  

“Randomness is not sports. You know how many rules have been created to help those behind? Wave arounds, lucky dogs, double file restarts, overtime.. need more handouts?”

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver further mentioned the stance of those opposing the current metrics (who want a fresh random draw for each race that doesn't depend on the previous one) and explained how that's unfair.

"So randomness is not good for sports because I tried to give the example well, what if Brad Keselowski, he’s on the bubble, we’re going to Dover as the regular season finale? You think it’s fair for Brad Keselowski to draw the number one pill, and he has to go out first?

"No. He had ample time throughout the season to accumulate points. Wherever he [Keselowski] is in points, that’s 30% of the metric. And then it’s 50% of where you are, or it’s 70% of where you finished last week,” he said on Actions Detrimental.

Denny Hamlin further argued that the randomness could hurt a driver on the cusp of the bubble could hurt his race is he goes out first onto the race track due to the draw. 

He also argued that a driver stuck in group A needs to be able to get out of the group at some point, unless the team is bad. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver also pointed out that the drivers need to be able to adapt well to the track. 

For Hamlin, the result should be earned and not handed out. This is something that has been reflected in his last three races. 

Denny Hamlin responds to claims surrounding his three consecutive wins

The Joe Gibbs Racing drivers' consecutive three wins have raised several eyebrows in the NASCAR garage. Several questions have been raised if the Toyota camp has an unfair advantage over the other drivers.

Denny Hamlin addressed these questions in his podcast. He said that some things have just clicked for the Toyota. He further talked about how the manufacturer has managed to figure out what works for them. 

“Everyone had the same opportunity, and you know, this is a product of a lot of hard work from a lot of people to get to this point. This is what we strive for. Toyota right now has got it figured out better than the rest of them. And it ain’t because of an unfair advantage. It’s a fair advantage that was earned through hard work.” 

Pocono marked Hamlin’s 64th career win, along with his career's first three-peat. He now ranks ninth on the all-time Cup wins list and second in the drivers' standings.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason