Joe Gibbs Racing Denny Hamlin completed his entry into the ultimate NASCAR villain era last year after the Bristol playoff race. He won the race, and during his immediate post-race interview, he addressed the crowd booing him. The infamous “I beat your favorite driver” one-liner was born that day.
This gave fans who loved him a chance to cheer and his detractors the perfect opportunity to hate him more. Hamlin started the 2024 season with the same vibes. He won the LA Clash at the Colosseum, starting the race on the pole and being consistent throughout. The TRD driver dropped the same one-liner after the win.
Ex-NASCAR driver and race analyst Kyle Petty wasn’t happy to see Hamlin repeating the antics. He pointed out that the first use of the cocky comment was good, but repeating it isn’t worth it. Kyle, who is the son of seven times NASCAR Cup champion Richard Petty, then asked Hamlin to find himself a new tagline.
That’s the way he starts the season this year. But, you know what? Get another tagline, dude. It worked the first time. I’m not so sure about the second time. We’re going to get tired of hearing it, and I know everybody’s favorite driver is going to get tired of you beating them.
Petty told the NASCAR YouTube Channel.
Denny Hamlin has set the tone for 2024
The 23XI Racing co-owner seems to have gotten over the disappointment of a poor end to the 2023 season that saw him get eliminated in R-8. He now has the most momentum among any drivers on the grid going into the Daytona 500 after the win.
The LA clash has proven a few things. Hamlin is in the same form as he was in last season. He won’t be changing his racing style despite criticism. He is confident going into the Daytona 500, searching for his fourth win in the crown jewel race.
The race also proved that the changing body of the Toyota Camry’s hasn’t affected their performance. All TRD cars except for Christopher Bell qualified for the race. All JGR and 23XI drivers have comparative cars throughout the day.
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