“Taking Ross & Denny to a Fine Steakhouse and Giving Them Rolexes”: Dale Earnhardt Jr Does Not Want NASCAR’s Infamous Rivalry to End Over $50,000

Denny Hamlin‘s act of retaliation against Ross Chastain last Sunday in Phoenix cost him big time, as NASCAR handed him a 25-point deduction and a $50k penalty following his honest admission. While many critics felt relieved by NASCAR’s decision, Dale Earnhardt Jr had somewhat different thoughts on the matter. Recently, Dale Jr spoke in favor of the Ross Chastain–Denny Hamlin rivalry while sharing how beneficial their tussle has been for NASCAR.

Dale Earnhardt Jr recently expressed his thoughts on the series of penalties that NASCAR rolled out this week, including fines to Hendrick Motorsports and Denny Hamlin. The two-time Busch Series champ argued that instead of handing Denny Hamlin a fine and points penalty, NASCAR could have sent him to Atlanta on Thursday for media tours, radio shows, and local TV programs, in an attempt to promote the sport.

Moreover, Junior also shared how Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain‘s rivalry has been a big boost for NASCAR in recent times.

Dale Earnhardt Jr wants the Hamlin–Chastain rivalry to prevail

In the most-recent iteration of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reckoned that he would have handled the situation differently. The 48-year-old said, “I mean, behind closed doors I would be taking Ross and Denny to a fine steakhouse and giving them Rolexes. Because everything they have done in the past two years has drawn nothing but good attention. Nothing but good attention.”

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Further, Junior spoke in favor of the Hamlin–Chastain rivalry and urged the two drivers to continue doing what they have been doing for the last two seasons. The NASCAR veteran stated, “If you are not wanting neither one of them to change, be true to themselves. Absolutely! Denny don’t change, Ross please do not change. As frustrated as Denny is with the way Ross races him. Ross, please don’t change that. Keep frustrating Denny.”

Dale Jr advocated that such rivalries between drivers are key to making the sport more interesting and enticing the fans towards NASCAR. Hence, he did warm up to the idea of Hamlin and Chastain making peace with one another. Instead, he wanted them to keep entertaining the fans with action on the track.

In conclusion, the NASCAR Hall of Famer claimed that Hamlin and Chastain cannot “stay away from each other.” Hence, it would be thrilling to witness if Ross Chastain decides to hit back at Hamlin anytime soon.

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