Denny Hamlin Offers Measured Support for Kyle Busch Amidst Public Disagreement

Charlotte, NC – Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in the NASCAR Cup Series and host of the "Action Detrimental" podcast, has addressed the recent public friction with former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch, offering a nuanced perspective that balances his candid commentary with respect for Busch’s legacy and competitive spirit. The exchange, which unfolded through media interviews and social media platforms over the weekend, stemmed from Hamlin’s observations regarding Busch’s current performance trajectory.

Hamlin, known for his direct and unvarnished opinions on his podcast, had raised questions about whether Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, might be experiencing a decline in his competitive effectiveness. These remarks were made in the context of Busch’s performance since his departure from Joe Gibbs Racing for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and even predated the introduction of the Next Gen car, with Hamlin suggesting that a perceived dip in performance may have begun during Busch’s tenure at JGR.

The genesis of the controversy lies in Hamlin’s analysis on his podcast, where he voiced his observations about Busch’s recent struggles. While acknowledging Busch’s undeniable talent and historical achievements, Hamlin pointed to certain metrics as indicators of a potential shift. Specifically, he alluded to Busch’s performance relative to his RCR teammate, Austin Dillon, noting that Busch had not consistently outperformed Dillon in what is considered equal equipment. This observation, intended as a point of discussion on the podcast, did not sit well with Busch.

Kyle Busch, a driver renowned for his intense competitiveness and a career marked by numerous victories and championships across various NASCAR series, did not shy away from expressing his displeasure. He publicly stated that Hamlin’s assessment was unfounded and suggested a direct comparison of their on-track capabilities by proposing a car swap. Busch felt that Hamlin’s comments amounted to a personal attack, describing them as being "bashed," and issued a veiled threat, indicating he could make race days "hell" for Hamlin.

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The exchange escalated to a point where Hamlin was questioned about the situation during the NASCAR Cup Series pre-race show on FOX. In his response, Hamlin articulated the delicate balance he attempts to maintain on his podcast, emphasizing his commitment to honesty and candor for his audience while also acknowledging the need for professional courtesy and the reality of competing against fellow drivers.

"It’s just such a hard tightrope," Hamlin stated during the FOX broadcast. "When the subject came up, I’m like, ‘How am I gonna tread this?’ Because I have to be honest to the people that tune in, listen to an episode. That’s why they listen. But I also have to go on the racetrack with him, and I felt like I was being gentle and trying to share the blame all around because I think that there’s enough to go around."

Hamlin further elaborated on his respect for Busch’s abilities, drawing from their shared history as teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing. He credited Busch with significantly contributing to his own development as a driver, particularly on mile-and-a-half ovals, a track type where Hamlin has achieved considerable success.

"I know this: I was teammates with Kyle Busch, and I know he taught me by far more than any teammate I ever was with. He did. He’s the reason I’m decent on these mile-and-a-halfs, is because of Kyle Busch," Hamlin explained. This statement underscores the deep-seated respect Hamlin holds for Busch’s talent and knowledge of the sport.

Despite the public disagreement, Hamlin expressed a desire to see Busch return to his peak form, recognizing the broader implications for the sport. He stated, "So I know what he’s capable of, and I know that it’s he’s not loving where he’s at because he’s a tough competitor. I’m rooting for him because the sport needs the old Kyle Busch." This sentiment highlights Hamlin’s view that a competitive Kyle Busch elevates the entire NASCAR Cup Series.

The "Action Detrimental" podcast, launched by Hamlin on the Dirty Mo Media network, has become a platform for drivers and personalities to offer their perspectives on the week’s racing events. The podcast’s success is partly attributed to Hamlin’s willingness to engage with controversial topics and provide his unvarnished opinions. However, this incident with Kyle Busch serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in being candid within a highly competitive professional sports environment.

Kyle Busch’s career is one of the most decorated in modern NASCAR history. He has amassed 61 Cup Series wins, two Cup Series championships (2015, 2019), and a record 102 Xfinity Series wins, along with 55 Truck Series victories. His move to Richard Childress Racing in 2023 was a significant shift in the driver landscape, and his performance in the RCR No. 8 Chevrolet has been a focal point of discussion.

In the 2023 season, Busch secured three wins for RCR: at Auto Club Speedway, World Wide Technology Raceway, and Watkins Glen International. He also secured three pole positions and finished 11th in the final Cup Series standings. However, his teammate Austin Dillon finished 11th in the points standings in 2022 and secured one win in 2022 at Daytona. Hamlin’s observation regarding Busch not "consistently beating" Dillon, while factually debatable based on a single season’s statistics and the inherent variability in racing, touches upon a broader narrative of performance expectations for a driver of Busch’s caliber.

The Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, has presented a new set of challenges and opportunities for drivers and teams across the Cup Series. The car’s design aims to promote closer racing and a more level playing field, but it has also led to adjustments in driving styles and car setups. For drivers accustomed to previous generations of cars, adapting to the Next Gen platform has been a significant undertaking.

Hamlin’s comments, while sparking a public disagreement, have also generated significant attention for both "Action Detrimental" and the broader NASCAR discourse. The exchange underscores the interconnectedness of drivers within the sport, where on-track rivalries and off-track relationships often intersect, creating compelling narratives for fans. As the NASCAR Cup Series season progresses, the focus will likely remain on both drivers’ performances and their continued interactions, both on and off the track. The dynamic between Hamlin and Busch, characterized by a history of intense competition and mutual respect, continues to be a captivating subplot within the sport.