The 2023 NASCAR season is getting more interesting every passing weekend. In a campaign where penalties have been imposed left, right, and center, the governing body seems to be continuing with its heavy-handedness in dealing with infractions. Truck Series drivers are generally younger than their Cup Series counterparts. Their youthful energy makes them prone to acting rashly, and one such act was observed during the Craftsmen Truck race recently. Interestingly, Denny Hamlin comes out slamming the act and sides with NASCAR in this case.

NASCAR and Hamlin have shared many a bumpy ride over the years, the latest one is still fresh in fans’ memories. However, keeping the ugliness of his recent saga aside, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver defended the sanctioning body for their recent ruling at Martinsville.

Denny Hamlin slams young Truck Series driver while voicing his support for NASCAR

In his 19 years as a full-time Cup Series driver, Denny Hamlin has seen almost everything. Just a couple of weeks ago, he went through the rigmarole of the appeals process after the Ross Chastain incident at Phoenix. After his admission of intentionally wrecking the Trackhouse Racing driver, NASCAR penalized him with a $50,000 fine and docked 25 points.

Interestingly, he presented some good arguments about the “intent” argument during the hearing, but they proved futile. Despite the unsuccessful outcome, the 42-year-old couldn’t resist showering criticism on a young NASCAR Truck Series driver. Most recently, Hamin was seen tweeting “What’s wrong with that kid?” after witnessing a certain incident at Martinsville.

It involved young Niece Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar, who was twice guilty at the Truck Series race. First, Hocevar door-slammed William Sawalich in Turn 1 before making contact with Tanner Gray. Post that, the 20-year-old saw his left-rear tire get cut due to the contact. Despite that, he hung a left into Gray’s door but it backfired and he spun out.

More interestingly, NASCAR issued a two-lap penalty to Hocevar, making it one of the rare occasions where an in-race penalty is issued. Hamlin recently spoke to the media, criticizing the young driver. He said, “Yeah, it’s just disappointing to see the #42 kind of take a couple of swipes of guys. You know I think it was the first time it’d be one thing but it looks like he’s kind of a repeat offender on that.”

When asked what he would suggest Hocevar, the 3x Daytona 50o winner said, “Yeah, right-rear hooking is not the way that’s for sure.” Further, the media took Hamlin’s opinion if NASCAR’s two laps penalty was justified. To this, he said, “Yeah listen, it’s a step in the right direction I think when they see something green just like that, absolutely step in the right direction. At least it’s something for sure.”

He also some interesting comments when asked if Hocevar’s actions were more appalling than his Phoenix ones. He said, “It certainly is more egregious but you know it’s just that at least NASCAR did something you know. I think that he’s really been pushing the edge for a while with kind of intentional cautions and right-rear hooking guys.”

While Hamlin appreciated NASCAR’s prompt actions with the penalty, he did add a sarcastic comment. The 23XI Racing co-owner was asked if any further actions should be taken on the incident. To this, he said, “I think intentional wrecks warrant 25 points, fifty thousand dollars, that’s what warrant, that’s what the precedent is.”

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Regardless of Hamlin’s comments, Hocevar’s actions were certainly questionable. In fact, even the fans had some raging thoughts.

Racing community reacts as NASCAR slaps an in-race two-lap penalty on Carson Hocevar

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It is understandable how Carson Hocevar is young and tends to make questionable decisions. However, this is the age when an example is to be set for the future. This is why NASCAR imposing the two-laps penalty is probably justified.

Hooking into the right rear could have had unprecedented circumstances on Friday. Luckily, nothing happened but the fans surely didn’t appreciate Hocevar’s on-track actions.

With an in-race penalty imposed, are we going to see the same in the Cup Series race on Sunday? If so, it certainly would turn out to be an interesting affair.

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