Denny Hamlin’s win at Kansas Speedway on May 7 was controversial, to say the least. While Hamlin did make a bold last-lap move to pass Kyle Larson and secure his 49th career win, he also made contact with the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro, which sent it sideways into the wall. Hamlin later stated in a post-race press conference that he did not intend to make contact and called it a “miscalculation.” However, many fans and analysts were left questioning Hamlin’s role in the incident.

Hamlin’s ambiguous comments about the incident have only added fuel to the controversy. He neither accepted nor denied his role in the contact with Larson’s car, leaving many wondering if it was a deliberate move to secure the win. Hamlin’s statement that “Who knows what happens in Turns 3 and 4?” suggests that he was aware of the risk involved in the move, which raised questions about his intentions.

Denny Hamlin Speaks Out About Controversial Kyle Larson Pass

Talking about the last few laps, Denny Hamlin said, “I knew the only way I was going to have an attempt to get near him was to get a huge run off Turn 4,” He further added, “So I ran way up high in Turn 3 — really kind of a Kyle Larson line — way up by the fence, and I just pulled it down and got a huge run. And that run down the front straightaway allowed me to pack air on him getting in the corner and get him up the racetrack so I could get beside of him.”

He further elaborated, “So we’re both pedalling the throttle on the exit. I was sideways, he went sideways, and then as you start to kind of get ready to… I knew it would be close whether he was going to clear me and I’m just trying to grind on his left side trying to keep the side draft as tight as I could. It’s just a super sensitive part of the car if you can get to the left rear, and obviously, it hooked him to the right.”

Hamlin added that he wished the win had not been decided by contact, but that he was excited to have the opportunity to make a move for the win, “It was exciting. I mean, I wish it wasn’t the contact that decided it, But I mean, who knows what happens in Turns 3 and 4? Right? I would love to have that opportunity.” Hamlin’s response left fans and analysts with mixed feelings.

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Despite the controversy surrounding Hamlin’s win, it was a significant moment for the driver. Hamlin had been one win behind Tony Stewart on the all-time list since the 2022 Coca-Cola 600, and the win at Kansas Speedway finally removed his winless tag.

Hamlin’s win was also historic in multiple ways. It was his fourth career win at Kansas Speedway, breaking a five-way tie for the most all-time wins at the intermediate track. Hamlin now stands alone with four wins at the track, surpassing Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson. Additionally, Hamlin’s win was the 400th in Joe Gibbs Racing history, making it a significant moment for the team as well.

Hamlin’s win at the Kansas Speedway puts him one step closer to his goal of 60 career Cup Series wins. With 11 wins remaining, he has a good chance of achieving this milestone. However, his win has also raised questions about his driving tactics. Some fans and analysts have criticized Hamlin’s move on Larson, suggesting that it was a deliberate attempt to cause a wreck. Others have defended Hamlin, saying that it was a typical move in NASCAR racing.

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