Denny Hamlin came out looking like the bad guy in the Kyle Petty & Denny Hamlin clash.
Throughout the years, when a younger driver tangles with an esteemed veteran, they typically receive a frigid response from the fans, media, and other drivers and team members. In the 1970's, Darrell Waltrip used his mouth as a way to alienate himself from fans by calling out established drivers such as Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, and Bobby Allison.
The late Dale Earnhardt used his front bumper more so than his mouth to tick off fans and other drivers. Rusty Wallace received death threats after he wrecked Darrell Waltrip, at this time a respected veteran, while racing for the Winston at Charlotte in 1989.
And more recently, Jeremy Mayfield heard the boo-birds for several months after he impudently knocked Dale Earnhardt out of the way at Pocono in 2000, and then insinuated that The Intimidator had it coming. Tony Stewart also ruffled a few feathers early in his career, and has really never stopped.
Earnhardt’s replacement Kevin Harvick ticked off everyone and their mother when he first appeared on to the NASCAR scene. Veterans Ricky Rudd and the late Bobby Hamilton Sr had harsh words for Harvick in his rookie year. When Ryan Newman feuded with his veteran teammate Rusty Wallace, also an admired champion, the majority of the fans sided with Wallace.
However, no other driver has riled the grandstands quite the way the Busch brothers have, especially Kurt Busch. Almost immediately, Kurt Busch rubbed fans the wrong way. His abrasive driving style, and his condescending words towards other drivers, especially Jimmy Spencer, landed him the villain role that he has yet to shake. Busch’s most notable incident was at Michigan in 2003, when he admitted over the radio that he attempted to cut down Spencer’s tire, and then taunted Spencer after the race. This outburst resulted in the significantly larger Jimmy Spencer punching Busch in the face.
Fans sided with Spencer as it was apparent that Busch provoked the man known as Mr. Excitement. After Spencer was suspended for the following race at Bristol, ‘free Jimmy’ t-shirts became the trend. Ironically, Kurt Busch won that race at Bristol, and never before has a driver been booed so piercingly.
His kid brother Kyle was guilty by association; however, he has done nothing to help his image.
Is Denny Hamlin headed down the same path? As a rookie, Hamlin was the new kid who was thrilled to be driving in NASCAR Nextel Cup. He seemed composed as he was quickly on his way to NASCAR stardom. Apparently, the pressures of winning has taken its toll on him in his second season. Hamlin has enjoyed a solid season as far as his performance is concerned. He has led a lot of laps, and has contended for several wins. Nevertheless, he has only recorded one win, which has clearly frustrated the young driver who feels as if he should have three or four wins by now.
Though he has not emerged as public enemy number 1 quite yet, he has made some fans question his character after he has persistently criticized the Car of Tomorrow, and publicly attacked his crewmembers, forcing team officials to shuffle the crew around. But his latest incident with Kyle Petty may have been the beginning of a reputation decline.
The Petty family is one of the most respected families in NASCAR. Even though Kyle’s on-track success has been limited over the past decade, he is genuinely one of the nicest guys in the garage. He became a sentimental favorite after the tragic passing of his son Adam at Loudon in 2000. Additionally, he has achieved wonders when it comes to charity. The Victory Junction Gang Camp has been endearing to many fans, as well as the Kyle Petty Charity Ride across America.
So when Hamlin wrecked Petty at Dover, some negative reaction was expected. But it was Hamlin’s comments after the confrontation that has angered fans the most. Of course, Petty should have never laid his hands on Hamlin’s helmet, and no man can really blame Hamlin for wanting to get out of his car and stand up for himself. However, Hamlin’s stinging post-race comments could have been, well, less stinging.
"The biggest thing is that I know Kyle gets run over a lot and a lot of the reason is that he's so far off the pace... I think a lot of it was his frustration over this whole top-35 thing, but we're racing for bigger and better things. Hopefully, one day, if they get it turned around, I can exchange the favor," said the frustrated driver. The verbal attack didn’t stop there.
"Don't smack me on the helmet. You smack me on the helmet and I'm going to punch you in the face, bottom line. You don't come to my car; you don't come to my pit. You meet me somewhere else, and we'll settle it. I have the utmost respect for Kyle, but don't lay your hands on my head.”
These are quotes that Hamlin can never take back, and when you insult a driver with the admiration that Petty has, fans are not quick to forget. Hamlin has not quite reached the ‘NASCAR villain’ status yet, but another incident such as this may have even Kurt Busch thinking ‘Man, the fans must really hate this guy’.
