Denny Hamlin has sided with Noah Gragson in his feud with Kevin Magnussen. On his podcast, Hamlin stated that visiting drivers should show respect to full-time competitors.
What happened?
The feud began during the Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado, where Gragson and Magnussen exchanged contact multiple times.
The incident left Gragson frustrated, and he confronted Magnussen on pit road after the race.
Magnussen defended his driving style, saying he knew that's how NASCAR drivers compete.
Why it matters for Denny Hamlin
Hamlin praised Magnussen's performance but emphasized that full-time competitors deserve respect.
He noted that if he were to compete in a one-off event, he would expect the same respect from other drivers.
Hamlin's comments add another layer to the debate, which may continue beyond the San Diego race.
What comes next?
The NASCAR schedule moves on to Sonoma Raceway, but the discussion around the Gragson-Magnussen feud is likely to persist.
Hamlin's verdict has ensured that the topic remains relevant, even as the series moves on to the next event.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about driving styles and respect among competitors in NASCAR.
Denny Hamlin's comments were made on the latest episode of his podcast, where he discussed the incident and its implications.
He acknowledged Magnussen's speed and impressive debut but ultimately sided with Gragson in the dispute.
The feud has become one of the biggest storylines to emerge from NASCAR's first trip to San Diego.
It will be interesting to see how the situation develops and whether the debate will continue at future events.
The Anduril 250 took place on Sunday, and the incident between Gragson and Magnussen occurred during the race.
Hamlin's podcast comments were made after reviewing the incident and considering the perspectives of both drivers.