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Denny Hamlin clowns Astronomer CEO, play on Coldplay KissCam photo after Dover win

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones07/21/25brianjones_93
Denny Hamlin (59)
Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Denny Hamlin took a shot at the Astronomer CEO and played on the Coldplay KissCam photo after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover. On X/Twitter, Hamlin shared a photo of himself hugging the Monster Mile trophy, similar to how Andy Byron hugged Astronomer’s head of human resources, Kristin Cabot.

“Dover’s CEO,” Denny Hamlin wrote in the caption. The good news is Hamlin will not have to resign as the CEO, unlike Byron, who announced his resignation shortly after he was caught hugging Cabot at the Coldplay concert. He was shown on he big screen during the KissCam segment of the show. Byron and Cabot hid from the camera as Byron is married and has kids with another woman.

“Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted,” Astronomer said in a statement. “The Board will begin a search for our next Chief Executive as Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.”

Denny Hamlin loves he can still race at a ‘high level’

Hamlin was clearly having fun with the incident, which has gone super viral. It’s been a strong season for the 44-year-old, becoming the first driver this season to win four races. He is now on top of the playoff standings and making a run to lead in Cup points.

While speaking to reporters during his post-race press conference, Hamlin was asked what the Dover victory says about his level of competitiveness and performance at this point in his career.

“I love it. I just love that I’m able to still do it at a high level. I mean, every morning when I wake up, I’m just hoping I still got what I had yesterday, you know? You just never when you get to this age, right?” Hamlin said.

“I don’t know, last night I was looking at the TV. It was a little fuzzy. I think I was just tired. Oh, man, I’m not losing my eyesight, am I (smiling)? I get paranoid about little things that might hamper my ability to do things at a high level at my job.”