After publicly deciding to not appeal NASCAR’s 25-point, $50,000 penalty on intentionally wrecking rival Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin has now changed his mind and will now appeal the penalty. Hamlin announced it on Friday (March 17).
Denny wrote: “After much consideration, I’ve decided that I will appeal the decision by NASCAR to penalize me. What happened Sunday was common hard racing that happens each and every weekend. There was also no manipulation of the race nor actions detrimental to the sport.”
On his podcast Actions Detrimental, Hamlin had previously said: “It wasn’t a mistake. I let the wheel go and said, ‘You’re coming with me.’” Additionally, Hamlin had stated on his Twitter:
The penalty stems from the overtime restart last week at Phoenix Raceway where Hamlin put Chastain into the wall. The two drivers finished 23rd and 24th, respectively, after running in the top 10.
NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer had also given a statement regarding Hamlin’s penalty: “We’re delighted that Denny has a podcast. We think that’s great! He interacts with the fans, but when you start admitting that you have intentionally done something that would compromise the results of the end of the race, then that rises to the level that we’re going to get involved.”
“We’ve been consistent in the past with that and we will be consistent going forward.” Sawyer added.
The appeal will be heard by an independent appeal panel.
About the author
Wyatt Watson has followed NASCAR closely since 2007. He joined Frontstretchas a journalist in February 2023 after serving in the United States Navy for five years as an Electronic Technician Navigation working on submarines. Wyatt writes breaking NASCAR news and contributes to columns such as Friday Faceoff and 2-Headed Monster. Wyatt also contributes to Frontstretch's social media and serves as an at-track reporter, collecting exclusive content for Frontstretch.
Wyatt Watson can be found on Twitter @WyattGametime
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Good luck with that Pennis.
Dinny will never get into a mensa meeting.
So true, wow, unbelievable if it weren’t Denny.
I’d love to see the partnership agreement between Denny and MJ. I’d bet anything I know who got the better end of that deal.
Do it D-bag! Do it! You will gain so many more fans!
Maybe he’s going to plead insanity.
Good one! LOL
It can’t be “temporary”.
Lol