Denny Hamlin is done playing nice.
He’s not trying to be everybody’s favorite NASCAR driver anymore. He’s leaning into the hate — and it’s working like a charm.
After winning at Martinsville and backing it up at Darlington, Hamlin raised eyebrows again — not just with his driving but with that bold post-race moment when he held up a flag that read, “11 Against The World.” It was a clear nod to NBA legend Michael Jordan’s iconic mentality — and Jordan just happens to be Hamlin’s business partner at 23XI Racing.
But what really makes this moment spicy isn’t just the wins or the flag — it’s how Hamlin is fully embracing his role as NASCAR’s new “bad guy.” Some drivers chase cheers. Hamlin feeds off the boos. The louder they get, the better he performs. This man is putting on a show every weekend, whether you’re rooting for or against him.
Denny Hamlin: Owning His ‘Bad Guy’ Era
For those who don’t follow NASCAR too closely — Hamlin drives the No. 11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing and has been one of the sport’s top drivers for over a decade. Despite his 56 career Cup Series wins, he’s always been polarizing. Some say he complains too much. Others think he’s too cocky. But this year, he’s decided he’s done trying to win fans over.
Instead, he’s channeling Kyle Busch’s 2008 villain arc — when Busch wrecked Dale Earnhardt Jr. and then bowed to a sea of boos after winning at Bristol. That’s the energy Hamlin’s bringing now. He’s not just driving fast — he’s stirring the pot and loving every second.
In a recent interview, Hamlin even compared himself to tennis legend John McEnroe, who thrived off drama and chaos. McEnroe used anger like fuel, and Hamlin’s doing the same. If the crowd’s screaming? Perfect. That means he’s in their heads — and probably in the lead.
Hamlin admitted in a pre-race interview, “There’s nothing more gratifying to me than winning and then figuring out how I’m going to antagonize this crowd. That’s what my goal is for the day. So, we’ll see how it goes.”
Legacy Hamlin Is Building
What’s wild is none of this is just for show. Hamlin is on the brink of becoming the winningest driver in Joe Gibbs Racing history. One more win, and that record is his. And honestly, if he gets it while getting booed out of the building? Even better.
He’s not slowing down, either. He’s heading to Talladega with momentum after just missing a win at Phoenix and finishing runner-up at Bristol behind Kyle Larson. You can bet he’s chasing that third win of the season—and maybe a few more boos to go with it.
So whether you love him, hate him, or love to hate him, just know this — Hamlin is done playing the nice guy. He’s racing harder, talking louder, and making this season unforgettable.
And honestly? NASCAR’s a whole lot more fun because of it.