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Denny Hamlin airs it out on Kyle Larson: 'My give-a-sh*t meter is absolutely pegged'

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones07/10/24

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Denny Hamlin Kyle Larson
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Denny Hamlin did not hold back when talking about his reported feud with Kyle Larson. While speaking to former NASCAR star Kenny Wallace, Hamlin opened up about him and Larson going at it on the race track for the last few weeks.

“I think we need to have an understanding,” Hamlin said. “I think that the two drivers, the two crew chiefs got to have a sit down and discuss what the rules of engagement are. I have said that I’m fine with us racing each other hard for wins. I don’t think I’m necessarily fine with deliberately trying to take each other out. I think that raises the stakes a little bit out of control.

“I guess I’m just confused a little bit on why the group is so upset when I move up the racetrack three or four feet for the win. But yet, this is the way in my opinion Kyle has made passes for a decade. I just don’t understand why it’s such a big deal now. I do think he has people in his ear pressuring him, but I don’t think that is necessarily gonna be a positive outcome for anyone.

Hamlin continued: “We know my give a s*** meter is absolutely pegged. If we get into this type of thing and it escalates, it’s not going to be good for anyone. It won’t be good for me, it’s not going to be good for him. I think we just need to come to an agreement on, hey listen, we’re good for racing hard for wins. We were not deliberately trying to take each other out. That’s probably where we should land.

Denny Hamlin shares more on battles with Kyle Larson

Hamlin and Larson are two of the top drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series as each has won three races this year. Because of that, both drivers are super competitive and will do whatever it takes to win. Wallace believes that Larson’s team is “in his ear” and wants him to retaliate against Hamlin, who doesn’t have a people with Larson racing aggressively.

“I am fine with if I squeeze you, you squeeze me the next time it comes back around,” Hamlin said. Changing the game is saying that I’m going in this corner to wipe you out. That’s a different level, and I think it doesn’t end well for either party.”