
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 11, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during qualifying for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Mar 11, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during qualifying for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
A couple of weeks ago, Josh Williams found himself on the news for the wrong reasons. The Xfinity Series driver got caught up in a few wrecks at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. His car was still drivable in his opinion, but the officials disagreed and told him to park his car. Williams took that instruction a bit too literally and parked his car on the start-finish line.
Naturally, the officials did not appreciate the cheek and penalized him.
Denny Hamlin figured that Williams would most likely cop a fine and then decided to play good Samaritan by offering to pay for it. And recently, Williams addressed Hamlin’s generosity.
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via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Media Day Feb 15, 2023 Daytona Beach, Florida, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 11 speaks to the media at Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Beach Daytona International Speedway Florida USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMikexDinovox 20230215_mcd_ad4_112
He said on the ‘Fast Car 2 NASCAR With Mike Wallace’ podcast, “A lot of people are like, ‘Denny was probably just saying that’. But he actually reached out to me sometime before the Cup race.”
“He said, ‘Man, I’m dead serious. I’ll pay your fine, whatever it is. I appreciate you doing what you did’.”
“Some of the drivers may feel that things have kind of swayed away from how racing used to be, back in the day. Finally, somebody said, ‘I disagree'”
What punishment did Josh Williams receive for his actions?
Unfortunately, Hamlin was way off the mark with his prediction. The Xfinity Series driver actually got himself a one-race suspension for his brazen antics. This meant that he missed the Xfinity race at the Circuit of The Americas, which could have been a big blow for him and the team. Luckily, there was a contingency plan called Alex Labbe, who took over the #92 car’s reins.
This proved to be a bit of an inspired move because the 29-year-old Canadian finished the race in 15th place.
Obviously, it would have been really frustrating for Josh Williams to sit around and do nothing. However, the driver has to reap what he sowed and accept the penalty.

via Imago
Image credits: Imago
Now, all that he has to do is keep his nose clean and not have a repeat of his little meltdown.
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Why was Denny Hamlin elated after the Cup Series race at COTA?
Hamlin will be focused on the next few races after a disappointing run at the Circuit of The Americas. He could only muster 16th place in the race but did have something to smile about after the race.
This was because 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick took his first win of the season.
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Since Hamlin is a co-owner of the 23XI Racing organization, this counts as a win in his book.
WATCH THIS STORY: “The Public Is Dumb” – Denny Hamlin Goes Against the NFL Community and Declares His “Counterintuitive” Super Bowl Winner
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