Here’s a bold statement: Denny Hamlin, one of NASCAR’s most polarizing figures, is turning the tables on his critics—and it’s nothing short of fascinating. But here’s where it gets controversial: after years of being booed at nearly every track, Hamlin is now jokingly urging fans to vote him as the NMPA’s Most Popular Driver. Yes, you read that right. The driver who’s often cast as the villain is leaning into the chaos, and it’s sparking a conversation that’s as entertaining as it is unexpected.
On Wednesday, Hamlin took to social media with a tongue-in-cheek plea that left fans both amused and intrigued. The National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) recently unveiled the top-10 contenders for the Most Popular Driver award, and Hamlin’s name made the list—a surprise even to him. His response? A cheeky message to fans: ‘Y’all have the chance to do the funniest thing…’ Classic Hamlin: self-aware, sarcastic, and utterly unapologetic.
And this is the part most people miss: Hamlin’s career has been a study in contrasts. With 60 Cup Series wins under his belt, he’s undeniably successful, yet he’s spent much of his time in the crosshairs of fan criticism. Instead of fighting to be the hero, he’s embraced the role of the sport’s ‘bad guy.’ But could this season rewrite his narrative entirely? Hamlin is not only in contention for his first-ever Cup Series championship but also, ironically, for the title of fan favorite.
The shift began last weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Hamlin secured his 60th Cup Series win. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he dedicated the victory to his ailing father, Dennis Hamlin Sr. What happened next was unprecedented: instead of boos, fans erupted in cheers. Hamlin, visibly moved, quipped into the mic, ‘This is the point where I give the fans some s—, but not today.’ The crowd roared louder, creating a moment so wholesome it felt like a turning point.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Denny Hamlin on the verge of becoming the beloved hero he’s never been? If he clinches both the championship and the popularity award, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime redemption arc. But let’s not forget—this is the same Hamlin who’s thrived in the role of the underdog, the provocateur. Does he even want to be the fan favorite, or is this just another layer to his complex persona?
What do you think? Is Hamlin’s plea a brilliant play on his reputation, or is he genuinely ready to flip the script? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to rev up opinions.
