With 17 seasons under his belt, Denny Hamlin is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in NASCAR today. And the 40-year-old isn’t shy to help the other drivers in building their personality in things they might lack. For instance, originality.

During a press meet ahead of the penultimate race in Phoenix, Hamlin was questioned about Alex Bowman’s T-shirts.

“A lot of drivers lack originality. So anytime I can help them with that. I’m sure they appreciate it.”

This is a vague and cheeky response towards Bowman’s answer to Hamlin’s brutal post-race comments.

Perhaps Hamlin is referring to Bowman repeating something his teammate Chase Elliott did earlier this season in his feud with Kevin Harvick.

But what did Alex Bowman do?

A hack response?

During the race in Martinsville, Alex Bowman made contact with the leader, Denny Hamlin.

This threatened Hamlin’s chances of advancing to the Last 4, but he managed to finish 24th and keep his title hopes alive. Later, the Joe Gibbs driver blasted race winner Alex Bowman, calling him “an absolute hack.”

Yet Bowman kept his cool and responded by printing Hamlin’s comments on a T-shirt and selling it to raise money for the charity.

Did Denny Hamlin buy one of those?

“No.”

Is he okay with Bowman doing that?

“Sure.”

Denny Hamlin is focused

There are bigger things in Hamlin’s mind than T-shirts and responses.

The 40-year-old driver is chasing his title in NASCAR’s top tier, something which he hasn’t managed to win since his debut season in 2005. Hamlin has had an impressive career, tasting success in almost all circuits and corners, but the ultimate prize has always evaded him.

Denny Hamlin has won 46 Cup Series races in what has been a splendid career. Sunday’s race in Phoenix not only presents him with an opportunity to add another laurel to his resume but also to cement his status as one of the modern greats.

Also Read: NASCAR President Promises Action After Ugly Denny Hamlin Episode at Martinsville