Is the 2023 Cup Series season the time for Denny Hamlin? Probably. Is Denny Hamlin the new villain of NASCAR? The answer is an affirmative. The final question being is Hamlin enjoying his new status? Well, he is not just enjoying it, he is relishing it. This was just reinforced after the race at Bristol on Saturday. Fans were riled up as the No.11 Toyota took the checkered flag at the iconic Thunder Valley.

However, Hamlin’s journey toward victory was incomplete until he was getting ready to drive home. 

Denny Hamlin receives a sly shot from his own teammate

As a seasoned NASCAR veteran, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has earned his stripes. With three Daytona 500 wins along with the other titles from other crown jewel races, Hamlin has carved a niche for himself in the world of NASCAR. Notably, the only regret of this veteran remains his lack of the elusive Cup Series championship. However, given his spectacular performances during the ongoing season, he might just get his shot this year to rectify that.

The victory at Bristol is further proof as the No.11 Toyota driver earned his 51st victory and also, his ticket to advance to the second stage of the playoffs. However, the grandson of Joe Gibbs wasn’t letting Hamlin have his moment of joy.

However, Hamlin’s night did not end on the track of Bristol, but on the outside of it. That was when the 42-year-old was filmed leaving by the boss’ grandson and Toyota teammate, Ty Gibbs. The driver took to Instagram, and posted a clip of Hamlin in his own car to congratulate him on his victory. Gibbs wrote in the post, “Congrats on the win Mini Van Boy @dennyhamlin.” 

To this, Hamlin reposted the clip on his own Instagram story, and wrote the words, “Don’t hate on my ride.”

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Nonetheless, the bravado of the driver was in full swing while addressing the booing crowd.

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The no.11 driver hits back at the NASCAR audience

Denny Hamlin is NASCAR’s new anti-hero. And he seems to be loving it. His sarcastic tone was perceptible throughout the race in Bristol. During the driver’s introduction, instead of saying his name, Hamlin walked off the stage after saying, “You know,” as fans continued booing. 

While he was busy celebrating his win, fans in the grandstands were busy booing Hamlin after he held off Kyle Larson to seize his victory. A nonchalant Hamlin cheekily said, “Everybody likes a winner, right?”

He also added, “I beat your favorite driver.” When asked who, the reply was “All of ’em.”

Nonetheless, with Denny Hamlin displaying his indomitable caliber, it will be interesting to see how the driver maintains his playoff streak, and whether he will be able to break free from his curse of zero championships.

Read More: Denny Hamlin Takes a Mean Jab At His Championship Drought As NASCAR Insider Hopes to “Eventually Get it Right”