Denny Hamlin Uses “Race Manipulation” Accusations to Call Out NASCAR While Defending Joe Gibbs’s Grandson Against Public Opinion

The world of NASCAR is no stranger to intense rivalries and controversial incidents on the track. Recently, the incident between Michael McDowell and Ty Gibbs during The All-Star Open has sparked a debate about race manipulation and NASCAR’s inconsistency in addressing such actions. Now, Ty Gibbs’s teammate and Joe Gibbs Racing veteran, Denny Hamlin, shares his thoughts on the incident, shedding light on the complexity of the situation.

Denny Hamlin questions NASCAR’s inconsistency

Denny Hamlin, who hosts the popular Actions Detrimental podcast, expressed his belief that the incident between McDowell and Gibbs was simply a result of normal open racing. He highlighted McDowell’s post-race interview where the driver acknowledged the nature of short-track racing and the aggression that drivers need to have to secure a spot in the prestigious All-Star Race. However, Hamlin also questioned the consistency of NASCAR’s approach in dealing with race manipulation incidents.

He said, “I don’t know that I’d place a ton of fault on anyone. Like I think even McDowell kind of took it fairly well at the end of the race in his interview, talking about, you know in the end it’s just short-track racing. We’re all fighting to get into the All-Star Race.”

However, he emphasized, “Now I mean he [McDowell] did say some other things.”

During McDowell’s radio communication, he mentioned fixing his car to go back out and alter the race outcome. Hamlin pointed out that these remarks hinted at race manipulation—a practice that NASCAR should strive to address consistently.

Denny Hamlin emphasized, “Hello! Race manipulation, like, ‘NASCAR let’s try to be consistent here.’ But yeah when you talk about race manipulation, he did, he caused it. He caused a different winner for the race because of him blocking Ty there when he was multiple laps down. So I don’t know, I guess I don’t like that at all but it is what it is.”

He noted that McDowell’s blocking of Ty Gibbs, when he was multiple laps down, ultimately led to a different winner and affected two of the best cars in the race.

WATCH THIS STORY: “I Mean…”—North Wilkesboro Reviver Dale Earnhardt Jr Gives Verdict on His Participation in the 2023 All-Star Race

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What went down at NWB Speedway between McDowell and Gibbs

The incident itself unfolded during a restart following a four-car wreck initiated by Noah Gragson. As the drivers lined up and prepared for the green flag, there was a contact between McDowell and Gibbs, causing McDowell’s car to collide with Justin Haley’s vehicle. While Gibbs continued racing and secured a second-place finish to advance to the All-Star Race, McDowell’s race was marred by the incident.

Later, McDowell seemingly blocked Ty Gibbs which led to Josh Berry passing Gibbs and winning the race. In McDowell’s interview after the race, he expressed frustration at being on the receiving end of the earlier contact, stating that Gibbs plowed into him and caused significant damage. However, McDowell also acknowledged the nature of short-track racing and accepted the fact that someone was bound to leave with hurt feelings, even though he ended up on the short side of it. He also mentioned the financial implications of retaliation, indicating that he couldn’t afford a fine for seeking revenge.

Despite McDowell’s damaged car, he managed to continue in the race and found an opportunity for partial revenge with 23 laps remaining. As Gibbs, Josh Berry, and Aric Almirola closed in on him, McDowell made deliberate contact with Gibbs multiple times, attempting to impede his progress. Although the contact didn’t result in significant damage to Gibbs or Joe Gibbs Racing, it slowed down the No. 54 car enough for Berry to make a decisive move and ultimately win the All-Star Open.

Gibbs, in response to the incident, acknowledged McDowell’s frustration and considered it fair game. He cited a previous encounter at Martinsville where McDowell’s actions had nearly caused an accident, “At Martinsville, we were running 18th and they clobbered us and about wrecked us, so I think it’s honestly fair game. We are racing to make it in the All-Star Race, so I understand his frustration, but we got in, and that is all that matters.” Gibbs emphasized that the focus was on making it into the All-Star Race and that accomplishing that objective was all that mattered.

The McDowell-Gibbs incident in The All-Star Open raises questions about NASCAR’s handling of race manipulation and the consistency of its approach. While some argue that it was a product of competitive racing, others question the potential ramifications of such actions on the integrity of the sport. As NASCAR continues to evolve and adapt, finding a balance between allowing aggressive racing and maintaining fair competition will be crucial for the future of the sport.

READ MORE: Joe Gibbs’ Rookie Grandson Gets a Taste of His Own Medicine as Fans Completely Support Michael McDowell’s Retaliation