
USA Today via Reuters
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Playoff Media Day, Sep 1, 2022 Charlotte, NC, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 11 talks with the media during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports, 01.09.2022 11:28:07, 18963301, Nascar, Denny Hamlin PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxDedmonx 18963301

USA Today via Reuters
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Playoff Media Day, Sep 1, 2022 Charlotte, NC, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 11 talks with the media during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports, 01.09.2022 11:28:07, 18963301, Nascar, Denny Hamlin PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxDedmonx 18963301
In the high-octane world of NASCAR, the need for transparent rules and their consistent implementation is paramount. As drivers push the limits of speed and skill, a clear understanding of regulations becomes crucial. The racing community eagerly anticipates a future where fairness and clarity can take center stage, eliminating controversies and fostering a level playing field.
However, in the past few weeks, there had been a string of controversies regarding the application of penalty-related rules against several teams and drivers. From Hendrick Motorsports and Kaulig Racing to Denny Hamlin and Daniel Suarez to Kyle Busch Motorsports, all have found themselves caught in the grimy cobwebs of NASCAR’s interpretations of its own rule book. Amid all of this, Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Denny Hamlin seems to have found a solution to make the rules more transparent as well as stop conspiracy theories.
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Denny Hamlin shares his solutions to increase transparency in the sport
During a recent interview with the press, Hamlin told Bob Pockrass, “I think that that was something that needed to be done with more transparency, to understand why, you know, rulings go the way they are.
“Certainly with no proprietary information, the standardized parts … certainly, I think that if everyone here has the opportunity to see, maybe, some parts that they deemed illegal or the team deems legal, let you guys draw your own conclusions and that makes it more informed I think. And certainly would stop with all the conspiracy theories.”
Denny Hamlin on changes to the appeals panel procedures, his appeal and additional penalties to Hendrick teams this week: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/lEKzxdbEfO
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 8, 2023
Coming from a driver who went through the appeals process and came out disappointed, Hamlin’s call for more transparency and a clearer exchange of information certainly is not unjustified.
WATCH THIS STORY: “Teach Your Kids To Lie” – Bubba Wallace Insider’s Venture Hits Honest Denny Hamlin With Sarcasm Amid $50,000 NASCAR Clash
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Denny Hamlin’s ordeal after he confessed to his role in the Phoenix incident
After Hamlin and Ross Chastain were involved in a minor incident at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin confessed to deliberately making contact with the #1 car, while being unapologetic for his actions.

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_77
However, this admission did not go unnoticed by NASCAR. The governing body swiftly imposed a $50,000 fine and a 25-driver-point penalty on Hamlin. According to the governing body, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver violated Rule Book section 4.4 B, engaging in conduct detrimental to stock car racing and NASCAR.
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Hamlin, however, remained undeterred. He contended that his actions were merely part of the intense racing that occurs every weekend. In response, he chose to challenge the penalty, appealing NASCAR’s decision. But as luck would have it, the Appeals Panel decided to uphold the penalties levied on him, leaving Hamlin malcontent.
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