In the thrilling world of NASCAR, on-track rivalries leading to intentional or unintentional wrecks are a common occurrence. As Kevin Harvick revealed in a January 2023 interview, while announcing his retirement plans, sometimes it’s all about creating chaos and putting on a show for the audience. Controversies may even be deliberately engineered to keep the excitement alive. And when we talk about controversies, Pocono Raceway saw a whirlwind of that in its final laps, with multiple accidents and wrecks taking place, leaving everyone fuming. One such incident involved Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin.

The recent collision between Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson ignited a frenzy among drivers, crew chiefs, and the audience, all eager to voice their perspectives since Hamlin claimed victory. Interestingly, a post-race interview with the Hendrick Motorsports crew chief has surfaced, presenting Kyle Larson’s viewpoint, which differs from what fans might have anticipated.

Is Kyle Larson out for payback?

At Pocono Raceway, it felt like déjà vu of the Kansas incident, where the #5 Hendrick Motorsports driver hit the barriers and Denny Hamlin claimed victory.

Fast forward to this past Sunday, with just seven laps to go at “The Tricky Triangle,” Larson was in the lead, comfortably ahead. However, after a slight nudge from Hamlin’s car, the #5 driver brushed against the outside barriers and lost momentum.

In the post-race interview, Kyle Larson was visibly furious. He believed the wreck was deliberate, which dropped him to a disappointing 20th position. He claimed Hamlin’s car contact was responsible for sending him into the barriers. However, Hamlin disagreed, stating there was no actual contact between the cars and that some “aer0-bubble” between the two cars caused the incident.

Now, the spotlight is on the post-race interview of Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Cliff Daniels, who shared Kyle Larson’s perspective. As Daniels put it, “I think we all know Kyle Larson well enough; he isn’t going to do that. But certainly, if he thinks that he needs to get some more respect commanded his way, then that’s something he’ll need to take care of.”

Seemingly, even the Hendrick Motorsports crew chief wishes to leave the wrecks and accidents aside, avoiding any unnecessary havoc.

Moreover, Daniels mentioned that Hamlin and Larson have been friends off-track, prompting curiosity about the status of their friendship after the recent wreck.

Watch This Story: 23XI Co-Owner Denny Hamlin Favors Rivals Trackhouse Racing Driver Over His Own Driver Bubba Wallace

Do on-track skirmishes put off-track friendships on thin ice?

Trending

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Stepmother Follows Through on the Grudge, With His Legacy Also Hanging in the Balance

May 16, 2024 04:49 AM EDT

Chase Elliott Skeptical of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Revival of NASCAR’s “Lost Relic” After Years of Deliberation

May 18, 2024 07:11 PM EDT

Rick Hendrick & Co.’s Partnership with Tarnished Sponsor Triggers Bitter Outburst- “F*CK Liberty”

May 17, 2024 04:29 PM EDT

Chase Elliott Refuses to See Eye to Eye With Dale Jr’s NASCAR Vision With 9-Words

May 18, 2024 06:25 PM EDT

Rick Hendrick Lending a Helping Hand to Stewart-Haas Racing Amid Dire Times Leaves Insider Infuriated

May 19, 2024 06:50 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The catalyst for the whole Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin saga this season was the Kansas accident. However, despite that incident, the two appeared to maintain a cordial relationship. Yet, as Kyle Larson revealed in his post-race interview after the Pocono Raceway incident, things took an unexpected turn.

“We’re friends. This makes things sh*tty and awkward. I’m not going to let it tarnish a friendship on the track, but I am pissed. And I feel like I should be pissed.”

It’s clear that Larson is livid at Denny Hamlin’s wrecking move, yet he might choose to handle it with grace and continue racing professionally.

But you never know; that’s the thrill of NASCAR. People’s minds can change when they’re on track. Did Denny Hamlin’s chaotic move add excitement to the race, or was it solely a strategic move to secure victory? Was it worth the turmoil it caused? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More: “Didn’t Pay Him Back”: Infuriated Kyle Larson Warns Denny Hamlin of Unfinished Business After JGR Driver’s Controversial Move Triggered Heavy Backlash