Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Furious Denny Hamlin Rips Team for ‘Unacceptable’ Issue at Nashville

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kyle Dalton | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 2:23 AM ET

Denny Hamlin had a strong car at Nashville Superspeedway, running up front for much of the race around the 1.33-mile track, including leading the second-most laps at 79, only behind eventual race winner Ryan Blaney’s 139.

The No. 11 started on the outside of Row 1 and stayed near the front, winning the first stage and finishing third in the second. He finished third.

All of it was even more impressive when you consider in the humid conditions the air that normally circulates through his helmet wasn’t doing so because the hose had become detached. It happened twice. And on that second time in the third stage with just under 100 laps to go, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver didn’t hesitate in showing his displeasure about the situation.

“I lost my [expletive] helmet hose again,” he said over the team radio. “Gotta get the interior of our car right. [Expletive] unacceptable!”

“Copy,” his crew chief responded.

.@dennyhamlin was not happy with his team for what he described as a "f***ing unacceptable" issue with his helmet hose at @NashvilleSuperS. pic.twitter.com/d9OsSPl8eM
— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) June 2, 2025

After the race, and having cooled down physically and mentally, the 44-year-old spoke about the adversity he had to overcome with the malfunctioning helmet.

“That's three elements that the other driver's had I didn't have,” he said referring to also not having any water or a cool suit like many drivers employ. “So yeah, I got hot. I had to Carson Hocevar the helmet visor up there to try to get a little air in."

The No. 11 team has a chance at redemption next Sunday at Michigan. Race coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET on Prime.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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