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Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson | Image Credits: Imago

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Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson | Image Credits: Imago
Ever since the NASCAR Cup race at the Pocono Raceway, there are few things that fans and drivers alike can’t stop talking about. One of them was a clash between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson, that resulted in the latter losing out. Admittedly, all that Hamlin did was feed his Hendrick Motorsports rival toward the wall. Nevertheless, the #5 driver was fuming and this incident overshadowed Hamlin’s win at Pocono.
Of course, it later transpired that Hamlin has apologized and offered to clear the air. But as it seems, there is more to the story.
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Why did Kyle Larson turn down the olive branch?
Despite Hamlin’s gesture, Larson, ahead of the Richmond race, talking about his interaction with Hamlin, said, “Yeah it was brief and fine.”
“We just text a little bit last night. He wanted to meet up but I just really didn’t feel like there was a reason to meet up.”
“We were just going to agree to disagree and probably get more frustrated with him or vice versa. I thought just the brief text we had was good and ultimately I think it was probably for the best.”

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NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – MAY 21: Kyle Larson 5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet talks with members of his crew prior to the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, NC. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 21 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2305213010
As he mentioned before, there was really nothing to discuss about the incident. Both of them would obviously have their own versions of the accident and the truth would be lost in translation. In the end, both drivers would think that their version of the story was the gospel truth. Instead, the Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing drivers would agree to simply move on and focus on the next race.
On the bright side, there is no desperation because they have both qualified for the Playoffs. Hamlin already has two wins under his belt, as does Larson, but they will be keenly hunting for a third win.
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How did the Cup race at Richmond turn out for Hamlin and Larson?
Once the race wrapped up, it was a tale of two races for the championship rivals. Hamlin finished in second place behind race winner Chris Buescher, and ahead of former teammate Kyle Busch. Meanwhile, Larson could only muster 19th place, behind teammate Alex Bowman and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell.
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In all, it was a nightmarish weekend for the Hendrick Motorsports contingent. This was because the highest-placed driver was Chase Elliott in 13th place, while William Byron was 2 places behind Larson. By contrast, Joe Gibbs Racing enjoyed a marginally better day in the office, with Hamlin’s 2nd-place finish. Martin Truex Jr was the only other driver in the Top 10, after finishing in 7th place. Finally, Ty Gibbs was 15th in the last JGR Toyota.
WATCH THIS STORY: Denny Hamlin Doesn’t Think Ross Chastain Has Changed Despite His Brutal Response to Rick Hendrick
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