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Denny Hamlin Receives Blunt Message From NASCAR Legend

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 26, 2025 10:59 PM ET

It's only a matter of time before Denny Hamlin reaches 60 career wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, one particular announcer wouldn't mind if it takes a while for him to reach that milestone.

Hamlin, 44, picked up back-to-back wins at Martinsville and Darlington earlier this season. Unfortunately for the three-time Daytona 500 winner, he has cooled off since that stretch.

On Sunday night, Hamlin placed 16th in the Coca-Cola 600. It was a disappointing result considering he led for 53 laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway. When the dust settled though, it was Ross Chastain celebrating on Victory Lane.

During the debut episode of Kyle Petty's podcast, "Kiss My Asphalt," he talked about the Coca-Cola 600 and the future of NASCAR. He started off this episode by praising Chastain for embracing the sport.

Petty then made a comment about Hamlin that's bound to stir up a conversation in the NASCAR community.

Petty revealed that he'd like to see a few young drivers, like Carson Hocevar and Tyler Reddick, win upcoming races before Hamlin.

"We see Tyler Reddick, we see these young drivers are hungry," Petty said, via On3. "It’s a changing time in this sport, and we are very blessed to be able to be here a see it. I love Denny Hamlin, I hope he gets to 60 (wins). But I’m telling you something, I hope Carson Hocevar gets his one or two before Denny gets to 60."

Hamlin hasn't responded to these comments from Petty. To be fair, he's still recovering from his loss at Charlotte.

"It was a heck of a battle there and would have liked to see it through, but unfortunately just didn’t get enough gas in it and had to come back in," Hamlin said.

The Cup Series will resume this Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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