Here’s a bold statement: Denny Hamlin, the driver NASCAR fans love to boo, is now daring them to crown him the most popular driver of the season. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just a joke; it’s a brilliant twist in one of racing’s most polarizing narratives. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could the same fans who’ve heckled him all year actually turn him into a beloved hero? Let’s dive in.
Denny Hamlin, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran, has never been a crowd favorite. In fact, he’s spent much of his career as the sport’s villain, booed at nearly every track he’s visited this year. Yet, in a move that’s equal parts self-aware and cheeky, Hamlin took to social media on Wednesday with a playful plea: vote him the National Motorsports Press Association’s (NMPA) Most Popular Driver. His message? “Y’all have the chance to do the funniest thing…”
But here’s the kicker: Hamlin isn’t just trolling. He’s leaning into the chaos, embracing his role as the underdog—or rather, the antihero. Despite 60 Cup Series wins and a career marked by success, he’s never been the fan favorite. That is, until last Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After an emotional 60th win, which he dedicated to his ailing father, fans did the unthinkable: they cheered. Loudly. Hamlin, usually quick with a quip, simply said, “This is the point where I give the fans some s—, but not today.” The moment was pure, unexpected, and downright wholesome.
Now, as Hamlin sits on the brink of his first Cup Series championship, the idea of him also winning the Most Popular Driver award feels like a wild, almost ironic twist. But here’s where it gets controversial: Does this sudden outpouring of support mean fans are finally warming up to him? Or is it just a fleeting moment of respect for a driver who’s undeniably earned it? And if he wins both titles, will it rewrite his legacy from villain to hero?
Here’s the thing: Hamlin’s never tried to be the good guy. Instead, he’s owned the role of the sport’s bad boy, and it’s worked—for him, at least. But now, with fans potentially holding the power to flip the script, the question remains: Is this the start of a new chapter, or just a hilarious footnote in his career?
Thought-provoking question for you: If Hamlin wins both the championship and the popularity award, does it change how you view him? Or is he still the same driver you love to hate? Let’s hear it in the comments—agree or disagree, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
