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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Qualifying Nov 5, 2022 Avondale, Arizona, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott 9 speaks with NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 11 during qualifying at Phoenix Raceway. Avondale Phoenix Raceway Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20221105_gav_sv5_048

via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Qualifying Nov 5, 2022 Avondale, Arizona, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott 9 speaks with NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 11 during qualifying at Phoenix Raceway. Avondale Phoenix Raceway Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20221105_gav_sv5_048
The Bristol race sidelined the horsepower debate for a while with its unique feature. NASCAR teams were left baffled at the Food City 500 race when tires gave out to the newly repaved concrete track. Veteran drivers found their mojo while harnessing raw racing skills to beat this obstacle. Denny Hamlin was one of them, clawing his way and tires out to the checkered flag.
The tire management situation also made Hamlin flip his earlier stance on horsepower partially. The tight huddling on the short 0.533-mile track and the enhanced tire wear were conducive to less horsepower. Dizzy in his new-found glory, Denny Hamlin claimed that the horsepower was perfect for the situation. Now he concurs with another NASCAR driver’s stance on the topic.
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Fans left amazed as past rivals Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott agree
Racing teams and drivers have been battering NASCAR for enhancing horsepower levels for a long time now. Horsepower levels have been scaled down due to engine budget concerns and new manufacturer possibilities. But for drivers, pure racing talent is a top priority. This debate has reined in many racers on the same side.
Chase Elliott recently spoke to Fox about the situation. He highlighted that the current engines of race cars run extremely inefficiently. He highlighted that the cars could run on more power once allowed to. But he also mentioned a possible solution to the tire wear situation. “Having a failure seems like, you know, we’re really quick to make a change when I think if you keep going in that direction, I think the teams would naturally figure out what the limitations are themselves.”
Denny Hamlin reshared Elliott’s video, agreeing with the Hendrick driver’s views. He tweeted: “Well, this interview which I thought was the most informative of why we want “fall off” certainly holds true today after what we saw yesterday. Take a listen👇🏼”.
Well, this interview which I thought was the most informative of why we want “fall off” certainly holds true today after what we saw yesterday. Take a listen👇🏼 https://t.co/3J6d3Doxfr
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 18, 2024
This tweet took NASCAR fandom by storm, as Denny Hamlin has locked horns with Elliott many times before. One fan hilariously commented: “Denny and Chase agreeing on something?!?!?? The world must be ending….” Another fan said: “For once I agree with Chase and you! Just wish you had more On Track Practice at each track. SIMS just cant predict track changes!”
Denny and Chase agreeing on something?!?!??
The world must be ending….— Timothy kern (@KernDog04) March 18, 2024
Another fan refuted the surprise at the two racers’ unity on the topic. “Folks in the comments acting like Denny and Chase are just beefing daily for the last 7 years 😂 you guys act like drivers have never had run ins, got past them, moved forward and have respect for one another”.
The reason for the fans’ amazement lies in the not-so-distant past. In 2023, Hamlin and Elliott came within arm’s length of a brawl.
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Hamlin had demanded strict action against Elliott
Time heals all wounds. The same can be said regarding Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott’s relationship. They may be concurring right now, but less than a year back, they got involved in a scuffle. Hamlin bumped Elliott twice at the Coca-Cola 600 race in May, and the latter responded in kind. He hooked onto Hamlin’s right rear and sent him to the wall.
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Denny Hamlin fumed after the race: “It’s a tantrum and he shouldn’t be racing next week. Right rear hooks are absolutely unacceptable. I don’t care.” But Chase Elliott denied any role in intentionally wrecking Hamlin’s car.
Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott are agreeing in the horsepower debate. Yet it remains to be seen how far NASCAR will go to accommodate the drivers’ demands.
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