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Denny Hamlin Surprised By NASCAR Driver's 'Dumb Decision'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 9, 2025 12:29 PM ET

On the newest episode of Denny Hamlin's "Actions Detrimental" podcast, he offered his blunt assessment of last weekend's race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Joey Logano was victorious at Texas Motor Speedway, beating out Ross Chastain, Kyle Larson and the rest of the field. His first win of the season catapulted him to ninth in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.

Ryan Blaney had a legitimate chance to win the Würth 400 and claim his first victory of the 2025 season. However, his decision to take the inside of the second row on the final restart of the race ended up costing him. It was a mistake that he took full accountability for during a post-race interview.

"The one time I didn’t pick the outside (Michael McDowell) got the lead and then I couldn’t get it back," Blaney said. "Just driver making dumb decisions and not doing his job. I appreciate the team. The 12 car was a fast car today. I just can’t do anything right currently. Hopefully it will work itself out."

Hamlin admit that he was pretty surprised by Blaney's "dumb decision." He just doesn't expect to see that type of blunder from a former Cup Series champion.

"I was really, really surprised in the moment Blaney didn't take front row," Hamlin said, via On3. "I couldn’t believe that call. The ensuing restart is the one that Michael McDowell took the lead. He took the bottom behind Larson. I was like, ‘Well, how are you going to pass him?’ I didn’t understand that call at all. And you heard Blaney say after the race to himself, ‘What a dumb call. Of course, the one time I don’t take the top, the top takes the lead.’ But dude, inside 15 laps to go, you don’t take the front row at a mile and a half?

"Any push can happen, you just don’t know. And that’s essentially what happened: the 45 gave the 71 the push to get the lead, and not only did Blaney not take the front row, he didn’t do a good job of pushing Larson on that restart. So then Larson lost the lead, and now Blaney lost positions."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was also shocked by Blaney's costly move. He believes "something's going on" with the talented driver for Team Penske.

Blaney will try to redeem himself this Sunday at Kansas Speedway.

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

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