Ty Dillon Responds to Backlash over His Epic Denny Hamlin Jibe

Denny Hamlin is one of the most polarizing figures in the NASCAR field. The former Cup Series champion is often labeled as the villain of the sport, a tag which he accepts proudly. Hamlin does have a massive fanbase that adores his villain-like persona. These fans were far from happy after Ty Dillon made a cheeky dig on the JGR star in Atlanta.

During the Quacker State 400 at Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway, Ty Dillon was going head-to-head against Denny Hamlin as part of the NASCAR in-season tournament. In an action-packed race, Dillon finished in eighth place, knocking out Hamlin, who had retired after a massive on-track pile-up. The Kaulig race star was unapologetic as he took a feisty dig at Hamlin and his fans.

While Denny Hamlin downplayed Ty Dillon’s comments, claiming that he was better at making fun of himself more than anyone else, his fans were not happy. Now after immense backlash, Dillon has responded to the entire ordeal.

The 33-year-old claimed that he was quite happy to see Denny Hamlin’s ‘against the world’ mindset over the past couple of years in NASCAR. Ty Dillon reckoned that Hamlin has learnt how to present himself in the sport, courtesy of his vast experience. Dillon asserted that unlike Hamlin, there are many drivers in the field who are too focused on just on-track results. This negates their personality from the public eye.

If Denny didn’t do such a good job, I’ve appreciated his Denny versus the world run he’s been on here the last year and a half. You know, Denny gets it as far as he’s been around long enough. And a lot of drivers at times get so focused on themselves and their results and honed into such a small, small portion of what makes this whole sport go around.

Ty Dillon told SiriusXM

However, the Kaulig Racing star pointed out that at the end of the day, NASCAR drivers are entertainers. This is something that Denny Hamlin has mastered in recent years, as the JGR star is not afraid to be himself. Hamlin has fully embraced his villain role in the sport, and this is indeed appreciated by fans.

We forget that we’re entertainers. And I think Denny has now gotten comfortable with himself and in his life. and that where he is successful on track and able to have fun with the fans, not taking himself too serious and lean into the villain role a little bit.

Ty Dillon added

Ty Dillon insists NASCAR drivers can now have fun with Denny Hamlin’s villain role

Initially, Denny Hamlin’s bold personality made him an outlier in the field. While drivers have often been unafraid to speak their mind, Hamlin has taken things to a new level with his villain role. The JGR star does get booed on certain occasions, but he does not seem to care. Now, Dillon insists that even the rest of the field can try and indulge in some entertainment alongside the veteran racer.