Chastain and Hamlin Feud Again After Phoenix Contact

What’s Happening?

The on-going saga between Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain debuted its latest episode Sunday in Phoenix. On the final lap, the two drivers battled for position until Hamlin hit Chastain and the pair washed into the wall as the field passed them by.

What You Need to Know:

• Hamlin and Chastain have been tied together since the middle of 2022. Chastain raced the 11 aggressively and prompted Denny to issue a warning that retaliation was coming.
• While the jury remains out on the intent behind the initial contact in Phoenix, the incident took both drivers out of the top-10 in the race and Chastain out of the driver points lead.
• The back and forth between the two drivers has been an ongoing storyline for over a season. The latest edition carries enough implications that it’s doubtful the hatchet has been buried.

Main Characters

To this point, it’s uncertain what was said, but the two drivers talked after the race.

The Melon Man didn’t have much to say about the race’s end.

Hamlin used his Instagram story to tease his podcast.

In the Stands

Even though the drivers had very few words, spectators weren’t so quiet. Fans had lots to say about the last lap incident on Twitter.

Some gave Hamlin the benefit of the doubt.

Others didn’t see it that way.

Ryan takes the opportunity to tie the drama in a forward look to this week’s Atlanta race.

The most recent episode in the storyline comes after Denny Hamlin began hosting a podcast. All fans will be tuned in awaiting to hear the Toyota driver’s side of the story.

As the sport awaits more comments from the drivers, fans share excitement for the drama.

In Your Ears

With the title of the episode “I’m Ready to Move On”, Denny says he wants the drama with Chastain to be finished with this most recent action.

“I went into Turn 1 with the mindset that I wanted to get the best finish possible… My car plowed… They were calling the 1 car on the outside of me,” Hamlin said.

Denny went on to say that he saw he was going to finish mid-teens due to his lack of handling. “I looked up and said… ‘you’re coming with me buddy.'”

Well, Hamlin certainly crosses retaliation with Chastain off his list. The question now turns to Ross. Will Ross let this be the final salvo in the drama?

On Your Screen

Colin Hudson gives us the views of what happened on his YouTube.

Eric Estepp gives his take on the contact on the latest Out of the Groove.

From the Pressbox

Jeff Gluck was the first to see the standings after being affected by Hamlin’s impact.