Denny Hamlin Accuses Ryan Blaney of Cheating After Ally 400 Win as NASCAR Investigates Allegations
Just minutes ago, at 10:39 AM +07 on Monday, June 2, 2025, Denny Hamlin dropped a bombshell accusation against Ryan Blaney, claiming the Team Penske driver cheated to secure his victory at the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 1. The Joe Gibbs Racing star, who finished third in the race, alleges that Blaney’s No. 12 Ford Mustang utilized an illegal modification to gain a winning advantage, reigniting a heated rivalry between the two NASCAR Cup Series heavyweights. As NASCAR launches an investigation into the claims, the fallout threatens to overshadow Blaney’s first win of the 2025 season.
Blaney dominated the Ally 400, leading 139 of the 300 laps to claim the checkered flag ahead of Carson Hocevar and Hamlin, who surged late but couldn’t close the gap. The victory marked a turning point for Blaney, who had endured five DNFs earlier this season, and he celebrated what he called a “redemption” win, telling reporters, “We’ve had great speed all year, just needed some luck.” However, Hamlin’s post-race comments have cast a shadow over the triumph. Speaking to the media, Hamlin accused Blaney of using an illegal rear suspension setup to enhance aerodynamics, a move he claims gave Blaney an unfair edge, particularly in maintaining speed through Nashville’s high-banking turns. “It’s clear as day—they cheated to win,” Hamlin stated, pointing to data from his team’s telemetry analysis as evidence.
The accusation adds fuel to an already tense history between the two drivers. In 2022, Hamlin called for Blaney to be black-flagged during the All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway after a controversial window net incident, while Blaney labeled Hamlin a “hack” following a hard-fought battle at Homestead-Miami in 2023. Fans on X are divided, with some supporting Hamlin’s call for fairness, citing his own experience with an encumbered win at the 2017 Southern 500, while others defend Blaney, arguing Hamlin’s accusations stem from frustration after losing a winnable race.
NASCAR has confirmed it is investigating the allegations, with a post-race inspection of Blaney’s car underway as of 10:42 AM +07. If found guilty, Blaney could face penalties ranging from points deductions to a fine for Team Penske, potentially derailing his playoff chances. With Kyle Larson leading the standings at 105 points, followed by Blaney at 89 after the win, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the investigation unfolds, the Ally 400 controversy promises to keep the NASCAR world on edge heading into Iowa Speedway on June 15. Will Hamlin’s accusations hold up, or is this another chapter in their storied rivalry? The answer could reshape the 2025 season.
