Sparks fly when Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, two of the best drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, take on each other. Their talent, innate focus on winning, and the fact that they drive for different teams and manufacturers, add fuel to the fire. An intense on-track rivalry between them was inevitable.
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Despite the many moments of friction they’ve had on the track over the years, the two carry a deep respect for each other. That respect appears to have transformed into a strong friendship come 2025.
Following last Sunday’s Cup Series race in Phoenix, Hamlin spoke of his plans for the week on Actions Detrimental. To the surprise of the co-hosts and listeners, he revealed that he was going to play golf with Larson on Monday.
When reminded how fans have this impression that they were “mortal enemies”, he replied, “They don’t know what they don’t know.” However, Hamlin did acknowledge that the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports driver had given him a few good shoves during the race.
This was when they both were vying to go past the No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE of Christopher Bell, who ultimately won. The #11 Toyota driver finished second and Larson third. Hamlin posted a picture of him on X, fist-bumping Larson after the race.
As far as the season is concerned, both are yet to produced an impressive result worthy of their caliber. Hamlin sits seventh on the points table with one top-5 and two top-10 finishes. Larson is 11th with two top-5s and two top-10s.
They’ve led in almost negligible number of laps. Hamlin’s JGR teammate Bell and Larson’s teammate William Byron (HMS) occupy the top two spots on the table.
Why Hamlin desperately wants to beat Larson
Two races from the 2024 season — in New Hampshire and Nashville — act as perfect examples of the competitive dynamics between Hamlin and Larson. In New Hampshire, Hamlin ran Larson up the track to gain positions. In Nashville, Larson returned the favor by making a similar move to win the race.
Frustrated, Hamlin slammed into Larson’s car multiple times after crossing the checkered flag. By the time he came to the pit road, the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran had brought his emotions under control.
“I mean, it was an eye for an eye. I ran him up the track last week, and he ran me up this week, and it’s all good,” Hamlin told Bob Pockrass.
The JGR driver had once elaborated on why he races hard against Larson “I don’t think anyone is deliberately running into each other,” said Hamlin.
“Although it does happen. I’ve certainly had my mistakes, and he’s been on the bad end of those. But it comes from competition and wanting to beat him. He’s one of the guys, it is hard to say not the best of our sport,” he added.
