With 58 Cup Series wins and three Daytona 500 victories to his name, Denny Hamlin isn’t just a veteran, he’s a force. But in 2025, it’s not just his driving that’s making headlines. Hamlin’s sharp critique of NASCAR’s playoff format has fans buzzing, especially after a viral Instagram jab that felt more like a battle cry. So what’s behind this sudden wave of respect for one of the sport’s most polarizing figures?

Winning four races and sitting third in the 2025 playoff standings, Hamlin trails leader William Byron by 73, setting up a tight battle as the postseason kicks off. But while the racing heats up on track, tensions off it are just as intense.

However, the 44-year-old is not the only one to criticize NASCAR’s playoff format. Legends like Richard Petty, who publicly criticized the

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