NASCAR’s Fiery Feuds: When Denny Hamlin Called Joey Logano’s Bluff

Modified Mar 28, 2025 | 9:40 AM EDT

NASCAR, it’s not just about speed; it’s about the rivalries that ignite the track and the tempers that flare. From the legendary brawl at the 1979 Daytona 500 to the Jeff Gordon-Brad Keselowski showdown in Texas, NASCAR history is packed with moments where emotions spill over. And let’s be honest, that’s part of why we love it!

Short tracks like Martinsville are notorious for turning up the heat. The close quarters and aggressive driving create a pressure cooker where feuds can explode in an instant. In 2019, Martinsville witnessed another chapter in the ongoing saga between two drivers who never back down: Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano.

The Spark: Martinsville’s Turning Point

The Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway in 2019 saw the latest eruption in the Denny Hamlin-Joey Logano rivalry. On lap 458, Hamlin squeezed Logano into the wall coming out of Turn 4, causing significant damage to Logano’s No. 22 car.

The contact resulted in a cut tire and a spin, effectively taking Logano out of contention. Despite salvaging an eighth-place finish, Logano confronted Hamlin on pit road after the race, leading to a heated exchange that quickly turned physical.

The Brawl: Words Turn to Actions

The confrontation started with a tense but seemingly civil discussion. However, things escalated when Logano shoved Hamlin and attempted to walk away. Hamlin, not one to let an insult go unanswered, pursued Logano, only to be restrained by Penske crew chief Todd Gordon.

Then, Dave Nichols Jr., a tire specialist for Team Penske, tackled Hamlin from behind, sparking an all-out brawl involving members from both teams. NASCAR later suspended Nichols for one week for his role in the fracas.

Hamlin’s Verdict: “He’s Scared”

In his post-race comments, Hamlin didn’t mince words. “He’s scared,” Hamlin said when asked about the altercation. “We were having a discussion, and everything was civil, and then, like Joey does, he does a little push in there. He said, ‘You want to go?’ I said, ‘Yes, I’m here.’ But then he runs away.” Hamlin also mocked Logano’s likely excuse for the incident, saying, “He would probably say, ‘Ah… it’s short track racing.'”

Logano’s Defense: Regret and Frustration

Logano defended his actions but admitted that shoving Hamlin might have escalated the situation. He expressed frustration over Hamlin’s lack of apology for the on-track contact and said he simply wanted to hear Hamlin’s perspective.

“I honestly just wanted to see what he was going to say, and he really wasn’t apologetic at all,” Logano explained. “Maybe I shouldn’t have shoved him at the end; it may have escalated it a little bit more.” Despite his frustrations, Logano emphasized that playoff pressure often leads to heightened emotions.

A History of Conflict

The rivalry between Hamlin and Logano is nothing new. Their clashes have been marked by aggressive racing and fiery confrontations, dating back to 2013. One of their most infamous incidents occurred at Auto Club Speedway in 2013, where contact between the two resulted in Hamlin suffering a fractured vertebra. The Martinsville incident was just another chapter in their ongoing feud.

As long as both drivers remain contenders, the potential for future fireworks remains, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.