Denny Hamlin has emerged as the most outspoken and active racer in the NASCAR community as of late. The driver who has garnered the strongest fan base is awarded the Most Popular Driver Award at the NASCAR championship gala. While several drivers have won this fan vote award, notable legends such as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin himself have never claimed the title.
In the past six seasons, Hendrick Motorsports has dominated the Most Popular Driver Award. Denny Hamlin’s father holds the record for the most wins with 16. However, a former spotter for Clint Bowyer and co-host of the Door Bumper Clear podcast has shown support for Hamlin to win the award this season.
Denny Hamlin is deserving of the Most Popular Driver Award due to his exceptional contributions. He goes above and beyond both on and off the track, engaging with fans through platforms such as Netflix, podcasts, and Twitter. His dedication to the sport has made it more well-known and appreciated.
Hamlin’s involvement in NASCAR’s Netflix docu-series and his ownership partnership with NBA legend Michael Jordan in 23XI Racing highlight his commitment to the sport. Additionally, his strong presence on social media and interactions with fans further solidify his status as a fan favorite.
Recently, Denny Hamlin found himself in a social media feud with the president of SMI, which was ultimately resolved. The disagreement stemmed from Hamlin criticizing the poor repaving of Sonoma, which offended the SMI head. The exchange became personal as insults were exchanged online. However, both parties later apologized for their remarks.
The ongoing drama between Hamlin and the SMI president has left many questioning the authenticity of their feud. Nevertheless, the duo made amends publicly, likely for the sake of maintaining positive public relations. Smith apologized first for crossing the line, and Hamlin followed suit by expressing regret for his own comments.