In the wake of Kyle Busch’s sharp critique of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew chief debut at Pocono, Denny Hamlin has publicly stepped up to defend his fellow NASCAR veteran. Busch’s claim that Junior was “just a warm body sitting on top of the box” sparked debate, with many viewing the remark as dismissive of Earnhardt’s contributions. Calling the move “just publicity,” Busch downplayed Junior’s strategic role during the race.
But on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin offered a more balanced take. “We’ve got to give Dale Jr. a little bit of due,” Hamlin said, acknowledging that while the team handled much of the execution, Earnhardt played a meaningful part. “Messages flowed to the driver… strategy-wise, he saw opportunities,” Hamlin added, emphasizing that Junior brought more than just a name—he brought race knowledge and leadership.
Hamlin’s comments reflect the respect and unity often seen within the NASCAR garage. While he didn’t fully discount Busch’s perspective, he made it clear that Earnhardt wasn’t just a figurehead. His racing instincts, ability to read a race, and communication with engineers added real value.
By defending Dale Jr., Hamlin helped shift the conversation away from controversy and back to collaboration—highlighting the teamwork behind the scenes. As Busch later softened his stance, Hamlin’s timely support ensured Earnhardt’s efforts weren’t lost in the noise.
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