Denny Hamlin believes respect inside the NASCAR garage is just as important as speed on the track. Speaking on the July 14 episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said Carson Hocevar's strong finish at the Quaker State 400 showed why relationships with other drivers can affect race results.

What happened?

Carson Hocevar delivered one of the best races of his NASCAR Cup Series career by charging from deep in the field to finish third at EchoPark Speedway. While the result showed his speed, Hamlin said Hocevar received very little assistance from other drivers during the closing laps.

Why it matters for Denny Hamlin

Hamlin suggested Hocevar's aggressive driving style and outspoken personality have made him one of NASCAR's most talked-about young drivers. However, he also believes that reputation affects how rivals choose to race around him. According to Hamlin, fans may enjoy Hocevar's fearless approach, but earning respect inside the garage is equally important when drivers decide who they are willing to work with during a race.

What comes next?

Hamlin and co-host Jared Allen also discussed several other moments from the Quaker State 400. Hamlin praised Ryan Blaney after the Team Penske driver controlled the race and strengthened his championship hopes. He also urged Goodyear to make changes before NASCAR returns to Atlanta, saying the current tire package takes away from the exciting pack racing the track is known for.

Hamlin emphasized the importance of respect among NASCAR drivers, citing Hocevar's strong finish as an example of how reputation affects race results. According to Hamlin, aggressive driving and outspoken comments may create headlines and social media attention, but they do not always earn support from fellow competitors.

"There were drivers in our meeting today who said that, no matter what, they will not push Carson Hocevar," Hamlin said. "You don't race the fans. You race your competitors, and there are a lot more of them than there are of you."

Hamlin added that respect has always been part of success in NASCAR, especially at superspeedways and drafting tracks where drivers often need help to move forward. "You can't disrespect people on and off the track," Hamlin said. "That's what Jeff Burton was saying so well. Dale Earnhardt was winning a lot of races, but he would at least come to you and say, 'Man, I'm sorry about that.'"

Hamlin concluded that respect is essential for success in NASCAR, and that drivers who earn the respect of their peers are more likely to achieve their goals. "You don't have to have a lot of friends, but you definitely can't have a lot of enemies," Hamlin said. "There's never been one of the greats in our sport who wasn't respected by his peers."

"Hamlin and co-host Jared Allen also discussed several other moments from the Quaker State 400. Hamlin praised Ryan Blaney after the Team Penske driver controlled the race and strengthened his championship hopes. He also urged Goodyear to make changes before NASCAR returns to Atlanta, saying the current tire package takes away from the exciting pack racing the track is known for.

Hamlin's comments highlight the importance of respect among NASCAR drivers, and the impact that reputation can have on a driver's performance. By emphasizing the need for respect, Hamlin is urging his fellow drivers to adopt a more collaborative approach to racing, one that prioritizes teamwork and sportsmanship over individual achievement.

Hamlin's message is clear: in NASCAR, respect is just as important as speed. By earning the respect of their peers, drivers can build strong relationships and achieve greater success on the track.

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