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Kyle Busch Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Approving Denny Hamlin & NASCAR’s New “Vicious Cycle” of Racing

Published 07/27/2023, 10:19 AM EDT

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In a thrilling yet chaotic race at The Tricky Triangle, Denny Hamlin emerged victorious, securing his 50th career win amidst a chorus of boos from the crowd. On the other hand, Kyle Busch sealed KBM’s 100th victory at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Pocono.

The battle for P1 between Hamlin and Kyle Larson reached a boiling point as Hamlin made a daring move, running Larson wide and ultimately causing him to crash into the fence, ending his chances of winning the race. In a disappointing turn of events, the Hendrick Motorsports #5 driver had to settle for an unsatisfying 20th-place finish. This outcome is likely to displease team owner Rick Hendrick, intensifying the situation.

Adding to the drama, Kyle Busch’s recent conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio reveals his alignment with ex-team driver, Denny Hamlin, further fueling the controversy.

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A Surprising Alliance: Kyle Busch stands up for an ex-team driver

In a candid statement, Busch sided with ex-team driver Denny Hamlin, who drives for the JGR camp. Speaking about the recent race, Kyle Busch cautioned that a clean racing strategy could inadvertently draw in the rest of the competition, intensifying the battle toward the checkered flag. Reflecting on the competitive nature of racing, Kyle Busch highlighted the risk of being stuck side by side, as it opens an opportunity for third-place drivers to swiftly overtake and leave the contenders behind.

“It’s racing, it’s just a different form of racing.” Busch commented.

Addressing the changing dynamics in racing, Kyle Busch acknowledged that closer competition and tighter car formations require racers to make bold moves, such as pushing rivals out of the racing line. This evolving style of racing demands a strategic approach that differs from traditional norms, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of the sport. 

Read more: “I Don’t Understand Kyle Busch” – Denny Hamlin Claims Joe Gibbs Will Surpass Former Teammate, Subbing His Performance This Season

Busch reflects on the “Bygone Era” of Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, and Bobby Labonte

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Kyle Busch expressed his observations on the racing tactics employed by the younger generation. He labeled the approach as a combination of being both dirty and greedy, identifying a pattern that starts in ARCA, transcends through the truck series and Xfinity, and has now made its way into the elite Cup series. He then highlighted the evolving nature of racing and the ongoing debate surrounding the appropriate strategies to employ on the track.

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Busch expressed his enthusiasm toward the evolving dynamics of racing by stating, “It’s a hell of a lot more exciting than it once was.”

Reflecting on the evolution of racing, Kyle Busch emphasized that while the current style may be seen as dirtier, it undeniably adds a heightened level of excitement to the sport. Comparing it to the cleaner racing of the past, where drivers would give each other room and show mutual respect, the modern era is characterized by fierce battles for track position.

Moreover, Holding off faster cars, according to him, has become a strategic priority, with drivers aiming to disrupt their rivals and maintain their positions on the track.

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WATCH THIS STORY: NASCAR driver, who got jeopardized by Kyle Busch, ends decade-long drought, as fans rejoice

Finding the delicate balance between clean racing and maintaining an advantage continues to be a topic of discussion among drivers. Busch remains a recurrent figure in these dialogues. His aggressive racing style, which has earned him the nickname “Rowdy,” has also resulted in him being regarded as the most disliked driver in NASCAR. This sentiment was apparent when spectators cheered after Busch’s #8 Chevy crashed during his New Hampshire outing.

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Written by:

Rashi Shetty

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Rashi Shetty is a NASCAR author at EssentiallySports. Her passion for the sport extends beyond the thrill of on-track racing, as she finds the behind-the-scenes aspects of car development and sportsmanship equally captivating. Her favorite motorsports moment of 2023 is the NASCAR Garage 56 entry at Le Mans.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta