Denny Hamlin, the three-time Daytona 500 champion, is no stranger to controversy. He is often considered NASCAR’s most polarizing driver for his candid comments that create opposing camps among fans and fellow drivers alike. Hamlin’s bold personality doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind. Despite his confidence, the JGR star admits to moments of humility and vulnerability.

No doubt, the stock car racing driver embraces vulnerability like a superpower, he also believes that talking trash gives him a shield against susceptibility. Not only this but taking the candid side to his advantage helps on the NASCAR tracks. But what inspires it? It’s the sport itself. Let’s find out how.

Trash-talking: an advantage for Denny Hamlin?

In a recent interview with TIME, Denny Hamlin revealed the driving force behind his “talking sh*t” persona. Hamlin, in his usual candid way, said, “It doesn’t matter whether I’m playing basketball, pickleball, or whatever; if I can’t talk sh*t, then I just feel mortal. I feel vulnerable.” In an attempt to avoid triggering his vulnerable self, the JGR star driver found it helpful to compete with opponents with his outspoken nature.

Denny Hamlin further spilled the beans on the harsh reality of NASCAR and how his candid self helps him outrace his fellow drivers on the track. “I feel vulnerable. So I use it to help get into the other competitors’ heads and make them believe I am the best and you’re not going to beat me. It’s my superpower. I do believe I have humility in certain situations. I just do not want to let anyone see that humility,” continued Hamlin.

Despite the criticism that Denny Hamlin gets for his boldness, it seems he remains unbothered about the opinion as he exclaimed, “While I’m not NASCAR’s most popular driver or probably even in the top five, you’re not going to argue that when they call my name this weekend, where does the most noise come from? It could be good or bad; it doesn’t matter. It’s noise. It makes someone feel a certain way for a certain reason. So I’ve just embraced that. Hey, I’d love to have you on my bandwagon. But if not, I don’t care. Get the f-ck off it. I didn’t want you anyway.” 

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The 23XI co-owner balances his personality for better performances on the track. Denny Hamlin thus uses his weakness to his defense as he continues to dominate the raceway tracks.

A controversy that led the 23XI co-owner to a huge fine in 2023?

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Denny Hamlin is as popular for controversy as for his driving skills. Hamlin’s most recent controversies include the one where Hamlin admitted to deliberately wrecking Ross Chastain at Phoenix. This incident, dating back to March 2023, cost Hamlin a 25-point deduction and a $50,000 fine. In a different race at the Pocono Raceway, Hamlin sent Kyle Larson into the outside wall in the final stage.

Fresh from the pages of Hamlin’s controversial history is his accusation of NASCAR putting up a facade at the Texas Motor Speedway ahead of the 2023 Cup Series. In a promotional campaign for the then-upcoming movie “The Creator,” four artificial intelligence robots were brought to the Texas Motor Speedway.

However, an outspoken Denny Hamlin had his say on that matter. “Breaking news. I have new insider information that they are people in costumes,” said the 23XI co-owner. This held NASCAR at the spot of embarrassment, but Hamlin, controversy’s favorite child, as they call him, did what he thought was best.

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