The FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway erupted into controversy when Kyle Larson unleashed a profanity-laden radio tirade against Denny Hamlin following an aggressive on-track incident. The heated exchange during Stage 2 showcased the raw intensity between two of NASCAR’s top competitors and instantly became social media fodder.
Kyle Larson Explodes After Michigan Clash
The drama unfolded on Lap 58 when Larson, who was running P7, pulled up alongside Hamlin on the outside and attempted to pass Hamlin. But the No. 11 driver drifted up the track, pinching Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet against the wall and forcing both drivers to lose crucial momentum.
Larson’s frustration boiled over immediately, and he vented over his team radio in an explosive outburst that quickly circulated across the NASCAR community.
“Look out the f***ing windshield, Denny, instead of the f***ing mirror,” Larson snapped, his anger evident as the incident cost him several positions in the running order.
Hang on, @dennyhamlin! 🫣 pic.twitter.com/sg0LxD1Uo8
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 8, 2025
NASCAR community accounts captured and widely shared the radio message, sparking intense debate about racing etiquette and driver conduct at Michigan’s high speeds.
However, this wasn’t the first time two drivers had to be pulled apart on track. Larson’s and Hamlin’s aggressive and take-no-prisoners driving dynamics have made them one of the more tense and juicy rivalrous duos in the NASCAR world lately.
Larson Stands by His Criticism
Despite the setback dropping him down the field, Larson rebounded to secure a fifth-place finish while Hamlin recovered from his near spin to claim victory ultimately. The win marked Hamlin’s third of the 2025 season, tying him with Larson for most wins this year.
After the race, on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Larson did not back off his biting comments about how Hamlin races.
MORE: Denny Hamlin Stands Firm With 23XI Crew
“Yeah, I just got frustrated a couple of times. Denny did what Denny does and — yeah, just ran an angle around one and two like I was never outside of him and ran us out of room. So I was frustrated there,” Larson explained.
He continued his critique, adding, “It just doesn’t make sense to mirror drive at a place like this. Like we can all benefit from each other if we can just work together when we’re in a line like that. But, I don’t know. So yeah, that was frustrating.”
Hamlin also acknowledged the close call on his radio, calling the incident “a f***ing disaster,” but he managed an impressive save to keep his car out of the wall and remain in contention for the eventual victory.
The Michigan clash highlighted the thin margins and split-second decisions that define racing at such high speeds while adding another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between these NASCAR stars.