Bristol Motor Speedway’s first challenge of the 2024 NASCAR Cup season will be witness to not one, but two Joe Gibbs Racing drivers trying to defend their rights over wielding the iconic 30-inch-long handmade sword that fans have come to know as the BMS Cup trophy. The race has seen plenty of iconic NASCAR gladiators battle for the coveted “gladius” since its introduction in 2014.

However, it was the driver of JGR’s #11 Toyota, Denny Hamlin, who won last year’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race, as well as teammate #20 Christopher Bell, winner at Phoenix last Sunday, who won the final edition of the Bristol Dirt Race.

Denny Hamlin Steals the Show for JGR and Bristol Motor Speedway

With the rest of their JGR teammates, Martin Truex Jr and Ty Gibbs, both running in the Top 10 in drivers’ points, approaching the repaved concrete battle, Coach Gibbs’ organization and Bristol Motor Speedway took part in a collaborative effort that had fans on Instagram snickering in joy over a “fruit ninja”-esque promo video involving all 4 JGR drivers in their bid to “wield the sword” in next Sunday’s race.

The Instagram reel from the official JGR and Bristol Motor Speedway accounts showed Bell, Hamlin, MTJ, and Gibbs attempting to stick an apple on the tips of a replica BMS Cup blade. While Bell sliced neatly through 7 out of 10 apples with impressive composure, Hamlin’s fumbled attempt stole the spotlight in the video.

The apple barreled downward toward the 43-year-old. Many anticipated the probability of what could happen next. But one fan made a hilarious observation of what happened next: “That apple went rogue and hit Denny right in the yambag 🤣”

This was acknowledged comedically in the video itself, as after Hamlin’s casual accident, the screen read: “DH:0, Apple:1.” Maybe Apple did not score one over the 3-time Daytona 500 champion in reality, but it sure won over the majority of fans as many came in to comment on Hamlin’s misfortunes, with another fan subtly stating, “Denny had to protect his junk after one hit him there.” 

Nevertheless, it is important to note that the unserious series of events took place after Hamlin asked the production team after introspections: “Y’all aren’t afraid that this blade will come off and take you across the neck?”

#20 Steals the Replica BMS “Sword”

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The blade did not come loose from any of the drivers’ experienced hands, shaped by years of incredible G-forces and strenuous stints of gripping the wheels of their respective vehicles. Last week’s Phoenix winner, #20, gained many votes of appreciation, like this fan’s congratulations towards Bell, writing, “👏Good job 7 out of 10″ as he almost effortlessly wielded the sword in front of the cameras.

JGR veteran Martin Truex Jr shed his usual “bad*ss” persona and silent confidence, instead actively displaying a side that most do not get to see often. This fan’s comment aptly concluded, “I know what Martin is taking deer hunting this fall.” Ty Gibbs, driver #54 for JGR, struggled to maintain his thrust as apples scattered around him. The talented sophomore did rack up a few, in his admirable attempts to outdo the rest of his teammates.

Denny Hamlin’s Nestle Crunch Look for Bristol Wins Over NASCAR Fandom

The celebrations and camaraderie will steadily take a back seat as the week progresses into their attempts at wielding the “gladiator sword” in reality, not with a replica, as the 2024 season heads to the “Last Great Colosseum” in Bristol. Only the winner takes home the shimmering trophy, but as this fan so eagerly asks, “I wanna try! How do I get one of dem sweet swords without winning @bristolbaby?”